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LET’S PRETEND 


4 








4 














TO HELEN HALLOWELL BARBEE 




“ i’m here. 


DO I LOOK LIKE MY PICTURE ? ” (See Page 29) 





LET’S PRETEND 


A Book of Children’s Plays 

BY 

Lindsey Barbee ✓ 

> t 

AUTHOR OF 

‘‘At the End of the Rainbow, ” “The Dream That Came 
True, ” “The Kingdom of Heart’s Content ,” “The 
Promise of Tomorrow,” “The Thread of Des- 
tiny,” “A Trial of Hearts,” “In the College 
Days — A Group of Monologues, ” etc. 

/ 

ILLUSTRATED BY 

BUCKTON NENDICK ’ 



CHICAGO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

Publishers 


copy 2 


.TV\\o\2.° /r - 
cofY ^ 


COPYRIGHT. 1917 

BY 

EBEN H. NORRIS 



JUL 20 1317 


(/ » / 




©Cl. A 47 03 4 8 


it 


PREFACE 

OME — let’s pretend !” has been the 
slogan of all childhood. A few gay 
feathers have transformed an everyday 
lad into a savage warrior; a sweeping 
train has given a simple gingham frock 
the dignity of a court robe; the power of make- 
believe has changed a bare attic into a gloomy 
forest or perhaps into a royal palace. 

But the painted warrior must have a war- 
whoop and must chant his dirge over the trem- 
bling paleface; the court lady must summon her 
retainers, must declare her royal prerogative; the 
forest must be peopled by fairies and the palace 
must have its knights and princesses. So — it all 
becomes a story — a very real story; it must be 
“acted out” and there must be someone to “look 
on.” The place — the story — the actors — and the 
audience. Behold! Our young Thespians have 
all the elements that, in all ages, have combined 
to make a play. 

May the little men and women who find them- 
selves in the stageland of these pages discover 
real comrades in the elves and fairies, hold high 
carnival with the toys and holidays, and renew 
old friendships with those who roam the Ever-Ever 
Land. May they follow The Little Pink Lady 
through the Dance of Childhood, with its gentle 
grace, its merry turns and its tender fancies; 
may they emerge from the forest of Every Day, 
hand in hand with the qualities that make up the 
good and the beautiful; and may the spirit Be- 
lieve still lead them on to Grown-up Land! 

5 






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CONTENTS 


Page 


The Little Pink Lady (6 Girls) 11 

The Ever-Ever Land (16 Boys, 17 Girls) .... 37 
When the Toys Awake (15 Boys, 5 Girls) .... 55 
The Forest of Every Day (5 Boys, 7 Girls) . . 77 
A Christmas Tree Joke (7 Boys, 7 Girls) .... 105 

“If Don’t-Believe Is Changed Into Believe” 

(SI Boys, 15 Girls) 139 








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THE LITTLE PINK LADY. 



































































































. 











' 
































CHARACTERS. 


Anne A Maid of Plymouth 

Molly With a Bit of Irish Blood 

Prudence. 1 

Priscilla. . > Puritan Maidens 

Patience. . ) 


The Little Pink Lady From off the Fan 


Place — Plymouth. 


Time — The Early Days of Plymouth Colony , 


Midsummer Eve. 


Time of Playing — About Twenty-five Minutes. 

11 


Let’s Pretend 


STORY OF THE PLAY. 

A group of sober little Puritans test the tradi- 
tion that a wish made on Midsummer Eve will be 
granted, and as a result of their daring the little 
pink lady on an old fan comes to life and leads 
their frolic. Not only does she give them a 
glimpse of another world, but she reveals the hid- 
ing place of a letter which is destined to bring 
fortune to one of their number. 


CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

Prudence, Priscilla and Patience are cir- 
cumspect, conscientious, serious little maids. 
Anne is more inclined to frivolity. Molly is 
bright and quick and full of life and energy. 

All the girls wear Puritan costumes — dark 
dresses, white aprons, kerchiefs and caps. 

The Little Pink Lady wears an elaborate court 
costume and carries a small fan. Her hair is pow- 
dered. 


PROPERTIES. 

Spinning-wheel, bench, two chairs, .stool, table 
with books and vase of flowers. Fan, on which is 
a representation of a court lady dressed in pink. 
Folded paper for inside of fan. Book for Pru- 
dence. String of beads for Molly. Small fan for 
The Little Pink Lady. 


12 




. \ 


The Little Pink Lady 


Scene Plot. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of stage; C., center; L., left, 
F., flat or scene running across the back of the 
stage, etc. The actor is supposed to be facing the 
audience. 


13 


/ 



THE LITTLE PINK LADY. 


Scene: Room in Anne’s home. Open window 
C. in F. Door down L. Rough bench L. of C. in 
F. Table with vase of flowers, books and fan down 
L. Spinning-wheel and chair R. of C. in F. 
Straight chair down R. Low stool at center. Plain 
walls and floor. Stage is illuminated for late after- 
noon. 

Discovered, Anne, gazing out window, with 
back to audience; Prudence in bench L. of C. in 
F., reading; Priscilla in chair by spinning-wheel; 
Patience in chair down R.; Molly on stool at C., 
playing with a long string of beads. 

Prudence. 

( Rising and crossing to table.) 

I have repeated my catechism, Priscilla; I have 
committed the hundredth psalm; I have finished 
a chapter in “The Lives of the Saints”; (con- 
sciously) ; I am well satisfied with the work of the 
day. ( Lays book on table.) 

Priscilla. 

And I, Prudence, have put the last stitch in my 
sampler and have spun me a goodly pattern. 
(Lays hand on distaff.) My distaff and I have let 
no precious hour be wasted. (Prudence reseats 
herself L. of C. in F.) 

Prudence. 

(After a pause.) 

And you, Patience? 


15 


Let’s Pretend 


Patience. 

{Primly folding her hands.) 

Before the sun was high I had finished my 
sweeping and my cleaning. After that I gathered 
berries and put them in a pie for the noonday 
meal. Truly, I have used my time to advantage 
and have accomplished much. 

{All bend their gaze upon Molly, who , uncon- 
scious of their scrutiny , plays with her beads. 
Suddenly she looks up and meets their glances.) 

Molly. 

Faith, and are ye all lookin’ at me for news o’ 
my idlin’? Sure, and ye shall have it. I’ve been 
huntin’ fairy thimbles. 

Prudence. 

{Impatiently.) 

Nonsense, Molly. 

Molly. 

And I’ve found a wishin’ well — a real wishin’ 
well. 

Priscilla. 

And what is a wishing well? 

Molly. 

’Tis a little bit of ould Ireland. It’s — ( hesi- 
tates , turns to look at Priscilla, then shakes her 
head and sighs.) But you wouldn’t understand. 

Patience. 

{Primly.) 

Finding fairy thimbles and wishing wells 
wouldn’t take the whole day, would it? 

16 


The Little Pink Lady 


Molly. 

( Composedly . ) 

Oh, no. Part of the time I spent in bargainin’. 
Prudence. 

(In amazement.) 

Bargaining ? 

Molly. 

Sure and it was a mirror I traded to u In.-ian 
for a string o’ beads. ( Holds up beads.) 

Priscilla. 

(Shocked.) 

That’s very wrong, Molly, and the minister 
would chide. 

Molly. 

Faith and he’ll not have the chance. 

Patience. 

(Severely.) 

And a mirror. 

Molly. 

Aye, a mirror. Sure and it’s little need for a 
mirror that any woman has in this forsaken place. 
Prudence. 

Molly, you must not talk so. It’s wicked. 
Priscilla. 

( Mechanically. ) 

This land will never be forsaken, for God has 
chosen it to be His temple. 

Patience. 

(As if repeating a lesson.) 

And here we find the freedom of worship. 
That’s why we came from England. 

17 


Let’s Pretend 


Molly. 

It’s not my reason for cornin’. Afther the 
death o’ my Irish father, my English mother hap- 
pened to marry a Puritan. (Sighs.) So I 
couldn’t help myself. 

Prudence. 

( With dignity.) 

I count it your gain, Molly. 

Molly. 

To give up my shamrock and country for — 
this ? ( Makes wild gesture.) 

Patience. 

Has not the exchange brought you the joys of 
the church? 

Molly. 

And would ye be afther tellin’ me what they 
are? Bein’ scolded for a smile, slapped for a yawn 
and punished for a drowsiness? 

Prudence. 

( Reprovingly .) 

If you would pay attention — 

Molly. 

( Interrupting. ) 

Faith, and for the first hour of the preachin’ I 
can stand it, but afther that I’m full of prickles. 
(Squirms.) 

Priscilla. 

Why don’t you do as we do? 

Molly. 

(Turning and pointing.) 

Turn that wheel from morn till night? 
(Shakes head.) No. (Points to books on table.) 

18 


The Little Pink Lady 


Read when I can be out in the warm sunshine? 
( Emphatically .) Oh, no ! (Points at Patience.) 
Brew and bake when the fairies are callin’? 
(Sighs.) Sure and ye can’t ask me to do that? 

Patience. 

(Crossing to Anne and laying hand on her arms.) 

Anne, are you listening or dreaming? 

Anne. 

( Turning . ) 

Both. I fear I’m a bit of a rebel, too — like 
Molly — for the most of me is — in England! I’ve 
been looking out across the bay straight into 
green lanes and winding roads. I’ve been seeing 
the hedgerows all in blossom. I’ve been listening 
to the songs of lark and linnet. 

Prudence. 

(Standing on other side of Anne.) 

But England is only a memory of the past, 
Anne. The minister says that one should not 
dwell upon the past but should think rather of 
the present, and should plan for the future. 

Anne. 

I wish I had your courage, Prudence — but I 
haven’t. (Clasps the hand of each girl.) I can’t 
forget the cold, cold winter, the sickness, the suf- 
fering, the hunger. I can’t forget that my 
mother died on the Mayflower. 

Priscilla. 

(Softly.) 

Be glad, Anne, that she was spared the terrors 
of the first Plymouth days. (Joins the group.) 

19 


Let’s Pretend 


Anne. 

And there is another reason why I should be 
thinking of England today. 

Patience. 

( Quickly . ) 

Is it that letters came yesterday? 

Anne. 

Partly. Because our letter told us that there 
is a chance — to go back. 

Prudence. 

( In amazement.) 

Back to England? 

Anne. 

Back to England. 

Molly. 

( Whirling around . ) 

Ye’ll not be lettin’ the chance go by? 

Anne. 

That depends — on fate. 

Priscilla. 

( Anxiously .) 

But is it right to speak of fate, Anne? Does 
the church permit it? 

Molly. 

Whisht — and what difference! Is it a story 
ye’re bringin’ us, Anne? 

Anne. 

Yes, you might call it a story. ( After a pause.) 
Would you care to hear it? 


The Little Pink Lady 


Patience. 

( Gravely. ) 

After our industry and thrift of the day, surely 
’tis not unseemly to enjoy ourselves in this way. 

Molly. 

( Jumping up from stool.) 

Sure and it will be good for the Puritan con- 
science. ’Tis exercise that it’s needin’! ( Pushes 
Anne on stool. Prudence and Priscilla sit on 
floor to her right , Patience and Molly to her 
left.) 

Anne. 

Perhaps I’d be happier in this new country and 
more satisfied with everything if there had not 
been the memory of the quarrel. 

Prudence. 

What quarrel, Anne? 

Anne. 

That which separated my father and my grand- 
father. For grandfather was a loyal member of 
the Church of England and it almost broke his 
heart when his only son became a Puritan. 

Molly. 

{To herself.) 

I’m thinkin’ that it would. 

Anne. 

I kept hoping that everything would be all 
right. But each was proud — each was stubborn 
— and finally father was disinherited — cut off 
without a penny. 


21 


Let’s Pretend 


Priscilla. 

( Laying her hand on Anne’s.) 

How happy it must make you to know that he 
remained true to his faith. 

Anne. 

{Shaking head.) 

It does — and then again it doesn’t. Sometimes 
I wish he had given in. 

Patience. 

(Shocked.) 

Anne! 

Anne. 

For why can’t a person be just as good under 
one religion as another? 

Molly. 

( Emphatically. ) 

Sure and I’m a-thinkin’ the same. 

Prudence. 

(Aghast.) 

That’s heresy. 

Anne. 

On days like this I wish we weren’t Puritans — 
that we were back in the old home place. 
(Pauses.) I want to smell the roses, to feel the 
breeze on my cheek — 

Molly. 

Just as I’d be afther glimpsin’ the gorse on the 
pastures and catchin’ a whiff of the turf in ould 
Ireland ! 


22 


The Little Pink Lady 


Priscilla. 

( Sorrowfully .) 

It’s wrong to complain of what Providence has 
given — nay, ’tis wicked! 

Patience. 

Is that the end of the story? 

Anne. 

Nay, ’tis but the beginning. We went to Hol- 
land — as you know — and prepared to sail on the 
Mayflower. Just as the ship was about to weigh 
anchor, there came a letter — a letter from my 
grandfather — which made everything all right. 

Molly. 

( Bobbing up and down.) 

All right? . 

& Anne. 

It brought a pardon — a blessing. It restored 
my father to his rightful place and heritage. 

Molly. 

( Subsiding .) 

And ye couldn’t stay? 

Anne. 

We couldn’t stay. We had promised. So we 
set sail — and my mother’s death followed. 

Prudence. 

Ah, ’twas a sad ending to the journey. 


Anne. 

Yesterday came a letter, as I said. My grand- 
father is dead, and he died before he could change 
the will which was made when he disinherited my 
father. (She pauses .) So the property goes to 
a distant cousin. 


Let’s Pretend 


Priscilla. 

{Eagerly.) 

But the other letter? Does not that give you 

your rights P . 

^ & Anne. 

(Sadly.) 

It does — it would , if we could produce it. But 
alas ! the letter is lost. We have nothing to prove 
that my grandfather repented his first hasty 
action. 

Patience. 

(In horror.) 

You lost the letter? 


Anne. 

We gave it to mother for safekeeping. Where 
she hid it we never knew. Her illness drove all 
else from our minds. 


Molly. 

(Sadly shaking her head.) 

So ye can never return! (Rises and wanders to 
table. She picks up the fan and opens it.) 

Anne. 

Unless we find the letter. But we have hunted 
and hunted — in vain. 

Prudence. 

Oh, Anne, I ought to wish that you would find 
it; but I should be very lonely in Plymouth with- 
out you. . 

J Anne. 

And I should often think of Plymouth and 
Plymouth friends. (Rises and pulls Priscilla to 
her feet.) But here I am, saddening your day by 


24 


The Little Pink Lady 


my own troubles. (Gaily.) Come, let’s forget it 
all. Let’s remember that we are happy together. 
(All scramble to their feet.) Let’s — 

Molly. 

(Crossing to Anne and holding out fan.) 
Oh, Anne, what is it? 

Anne. 

(Taking it.) 

A fan. You use it so. (Fans.) 

Priscilla. 

A fan! How wonderful! 


It was 
France. 


Anne. 

my mother’s. Her sister sent it from 
Patience. 

(Rapturously.) 


From France ! . 

Anne. 

She treasured it so much, for it is old and his- 
toric. So, when we left England it came with us. 


Molly. 

(Taking the fan from Anne.) 

Ah ! The little pink lady — she’s smilin’ at us. 

Prudence. 

She looks as if she were ready to speak. 

Priscilla. 

I believe she would walk right off the fan if we 
called her. Anne. 

Suppose she did. What would she think of all 
this (glances around) after her bright colors, soft 
lights and merry companions. 


25 


Let’s Pretend 


Patience. 

Let me hold her — just a moment. ( Takes fan,) 
Molly. 

{Standing by Patience and gazing at fan,) 

Faith, and ye have been seem’ sights, ye pretty 
creature — brave men, fair women and gay com- 
panies! How I’d like to follow in your wake — 
to smile when ye smile, to curtsey when ye curt- 
sey, to dance when ye dance! 

Prudence. 

Molly! To dance is wicked! 

Anne. 

I wonder if it is. We miss so many joys here 
in Plymouth. {Suddenly.) Why can’t we forget 
that we are Puritans? Why can’t we laugh and 
sing and dance and play for once? {Runs to 
window.) See. It’s beautiful out. (Prudence 
and Priscilla follow.) The air is balmy. We 
can smell the ocean, and we can hear the birds if 
we listen. It’s the very time for a frolic. {Catches 
Prudence by shoulders.) Promise me, Prudence. 

Prudence. 

Are you sure it’s not wrong? 

Anne. 

Sure — sure ! {Catches Priscilla and whirls her 
around.) And you, Priscilla. Promise! 

Priscilla. 

(Sighing.) 

I wonder if I’ve forgotten how to play. 

Anne. 

It will come back to you. Oh, say you will. 


The Little Pink Lady 


(Priscilla nods.) And you , Patience. ( Runs 
to Patience.) Patience . 

( Still occupied with the fan.) 

Would the church approve? 

Anne. 

if it didn’t? ( Coaxingly .) 
Patience. 

Anne. 


What matter 
Promise me. 


I promise. 
Then Molly — 


Molly. 

( Dancing wildly around.) 

And do ye know that it’s Midsummer Eve? 
That it’s the night of fairy charms and goblin 
pranks? That the witches are weavin’ a spell this 
very minute? A nne. 

Do you suppose they’ll weave it around us? 

Molly. 

( Dramatically .) 

Listen! ( They crowd about her.) If ye make 
a wish on Midsummer Eve, the fairies will grant 
it. ’Tis the one time in all the year when ye may 
gain your heart’s desire. 

Anne. 

( Whispering.) 

Shall we wish? 

Prudence. 

( Doubtfully .) 

Is it wrong? . 

Anne. 

How could it be? 


n 


Let’s Pretend 


Priscilla. 

( Frightened .) 
Would we be punished? 

Anne. 

Who would know? 


Patience. 

( Placing the open fan on the table.) 
Is — it — really — so — about — the — wish ? 


Anne. 

Shall — we — try ? 

Molly. 

( Shaking finger at the fan.) 

Ah, ye little pink lady — how ye smile at us! 
How ye must want to be merry ! I wish — oh, how I 
wish — that ye’d step right off that fan and play 
with us. a x t 


MoHy! Molly. 

{Turning.) 

Whisht, and what’s the matter o’ ye? 


You’ve wished! 


I’ve — wished ! 


All. 

Molly. 
{Suddenly understanding.) 

Anne. 


Oh — it’s — getting — dark ! 

Stage darkens. The girls crowd together at 
R. When the lights come on , The Little Pink 
Lady, who has entered through door down L., is 
standing by the table. 


28 


The Little Pink Lady 


The Little Pink Lady. 

( Curtseying .) 

I’m here. Do I look like my picture? ( Nods 
laughingly towards fan on table.) 

Molly. 

( Coming near her.) 

Faith, but ye are beautiful — oh, so beautiful! 
Will ye vanish if I touch ye? 


The Little Pink Lai^y. 

Try me and see. (Molly touches her.) I can- 
not linger long. What would you have of me? 
( The girls come closer.) 


Anne. 

How strange we must seem to you. We are 
but sober moths with a shining butterfly in our 

midst. The Little Pink Lady. 

Sober moths are restful to eyes that are weary 
of much color. 

Molly. 

And would ye be tellin’ us of all ye have seen? 


The Little Pink Lady. 

( Thoughtfully .) 

All I’ve seen! All I’ve seen! (As if to herself.) 
A royal palace where jewels flash, where silks and 
satins rustle, where hearts are wicked, cruel and 
unhappy under the capes of velvet and bodices of 
lace; where courtly manners hide ugly thoughts; 
where traitorous smiles and soft words are but the 
mask for cunning and intrigue. 

Prudence. 

(Clasping her hands in excitement.) 

Oh! Oh! 


29 


Let’s Pretend 


The Little Pink Lady. 

I’ve seen kingdoms rise and fall. I have trav- 
eled many lands and have crossed many seas. I’ve 
screened the blush of youth, I’ve felt the trem- 
bling touch of age, I’ve been the plaything of 
white jeweled hands — ( suddenly ) and now I’ve 
come to a new world. ( She gazes around at them.) 
How may I serve you? 

Molly. 

Ah, little pink lady, we were a-thinkin’ ye to be 
a little girl. We were wantin’ ye to lead us in 
our play. ( Shakes her hand slowly.) But ye are 
not a girl. 

The Little Pink Lady. 

My face is young if my heart is old, and per- 
chance I can share your revels. What shall it be — 
a dance ? Priscilla. 

(Severely.) 

A Puritan does not dance. 

The Little Pink Lady. 

Has a Puritan no music in his soul? 

Patience. 

(Sadly.) 

Only enough for church hymns. 

The Little Pink Lady. 

Is it wrong for birds to sing? For flowers to 
bloom? For stars to twinkle? For children to be 
happy? Then it is wrong to dance. Come! 
Who’ll take my hand? (Anne comes timidly for- 
ward and takes her hand.) 

Anne. 

But I shall be awkward. 


30 


The Little Pink Lady 


The Little Pink Lady. 

{Laughing as she curtseys.) 

No one will be awkward, for the magic of Mid- 
summer Eve shall give us the perfect rhythm of 
perfect grace, and the fairy harps shall guide our 
footsteps. 

{Music sounds. Led by Anne and The Little 
Pink Lady, Prudence and Priscilla, Molly 
and Patience join in a stately , old-fashioned 
dance.) 

The Little Pink Lady. 

{Reciting slowly as they dance.) 

There’s the rustle of satin, 

The shimmer of velvet, 

The glimmer of dainty shoon — 

Bright jewels and laces, 

A myriad graces, 

A magical mystical tune. 

While the stately figures sway to and fro 
In the dignified dance of long ago. 

There’s the perfume of flowers, 

The trancing of music, 

The glancing of roguish eyes — 

There’s a gliding — just so — 

And a curtseying — low 
As a witching wee fan she plies ; 

Ah! the maid of the present will never 
know 

The grace of the dance of long ago ! 

{The music ceases. The Little Pink Lady 
stands motionless as if listening.) 

31 


Let’s Pretend 


The Little Pink Lady. 

My time is short. Already I hear the whisper 
that sends me back into the Shadow Land. ( She 
touches Prudence’s hand.) A message to you 
before I vanish. People your new world with the 
joys of childhood. (She slips an arm about Pris- 
cilla’s waist and turns to her.) Find happiness 
in everyday corners. And for you (she blows a 
kiss to Patience), trust your heart as well as the 
church discipline. (She turns to Molly and 
lightly kisses her cheek.) Keep your faith in 
fairies, my dear! (Last of all she takes Anne’s 
hands in hers and gazes steadfastly at her.) And 
to you — a last word. If you will touch me with 
tender care, if you will gaze at me with all-seeing 
eyes, I will lead you to your heart’s desire. 

(In a moment of darkness she vanishes .) 


Molly. 

(Rubbing her eyes as the light comes on.) 
Faith, and was it a dream or would ye be afther 
pinchin’ me ? 

r Prudence. 

(Pinching her,) 

There ! , T 

Molly. 

It’s real I am! 

Prudence. 

(Happily.) 

How wonderful it has been! I can’t go back to 
my reading after (curtseying) this! 

Priscilla. 

(Crossing to spinning-wheel.) 

Nor can I spin aught but romance — hereafter. 

32 


The Little Pink Lady 


Patience. 

( Going to Anne.) 

Anne! Anne ! What troubles you? (Anne 
stands as if in a trance .) Did you not hear her 
tell us to be gay — to be happy? 

Molly. 

( Coming to other side of Anne.) 

Sure and I know what I should have wished — 
that ye would find the letter. Oh, but it was 

careless of me! . 

Anne. 

(To herself.) 

What did she mean? What did she mean? My 
heart’s desire! (Crosses to table and takes up the 
fan.) If I would touch her with tender care. 
(Feels carefully.) If I would gaze at her with 
all-seeing eyes. (Excitedly.) Why, what is this? 
The lining is torn — there is something inside ! 
(Draws out folded paper.) It’s a letter — (opens 
it) it’s — the letter — the lost letter! 

Prudence. 

(In awe.) 

’Tis too wonderful to believe. 

Anne. 

(Joyfully.) 

And yet it’s true — it’s true ! (Clasps fan to her.) 
Oh, Little Pink Lady, Little Pink Lady, I’m going 
back to England — to England ! 

Curtain. 


33 



THE EVER-EVER LAND. 


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36 












THE 



CHARACTERS. 


The Fairy. 

The Child. 
Mother Goose. 
Jack. 

The Pieman. 
Simple Simon. 

Jack Horner. 
Lady Bug. 

Jack and Jill. 
Bo-Peep. 

Little Red Riding 
Hood. 


CinderellS. 

Hansel and Gretel. 
Little Men (four). 
Little Women (four). 
Lord Fauntleroy. 
Rebecca of Sunny- 
brook Farm. , 
Little Colonel. 
Little Nell. 

Alice in Wonderland. 
The Pirates (four). 
Peter Pan. 


Place — A Fairy Land. 


Time of Playing — About Twenty Minutes. 


37 


Let’s Pretend 


STORY OF THE PLAY. 

Under the guidance of a fairy, whose wand is 
imagination, a child is led into the Ever-Ever 
Land, which is peopled by children who have fig- 
ured in literature — characters so loved by boys 
and girls. One by one these characters greet her, 
and as they fade away the fairy tells her that the 
Ever-Ever Land is not afar; that it is really 
within a child’s own happy heart. 

CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

Fairy — Spangled gown; gold crown; wand. 

Child — Simple, fluffy white gown. 

Mother Goose — Large-flowered gown with 
panniers; tall, peaked hat; broomstick. 

Jack — White suit; candlestick. 

Pieman — White apron ; chef cap ; tray with 
pies. 

Simple Simon — Peasant’s costume. 

Jack Horner — White suit with long trousers; 
large pie. 

Lady Bug — Scarlet gown made with sleeves to 
represent wings when arms are raised. 

Jack and Jill — Sailor suits; large pail. 

Bo-Peep — Bo-Peep costume; large hat; crook. 

Red Riding Hood — W hite gown; scarlet hood 
and cap; basket. 

Cinderella — Tattered cloak and cap over 
fancy ball dress with train. 

Hansel and Gretel — German costumes. 

Little Men — Old-fashioned suits; tall hats, 
etc. 


The Ever-Ever Land 


Little Women — Old-fashioned dresses, full 
skirts and fichus; large flower laden hats tied un- 
der the chin ; reticules ; mitts. 

Lord Fauntleroy — Velvet suit; red sash; 
white lace collar. 

Rebecca — Gingham dress and sunbonnet. 

Little Colonel — Girl’s military costume. 
Short skirt ; military cape ; boots ; cap ; drum ; 
bugle. 

Little Nell — Old-fashioned dress ; poke bon- 
net. 

Alice — White gown ; March hare. 

Pirates — Dark suits, gay sashes and bandan- 
nas around their heads ; swords. 

Peter Pan — Peter Pan suit ; pipes. 

PROPERTIES. 


Trees, flowers, etc., for stage. Wand for Fairy. 

Candlestick for Jack. Tray with pies for Simple 

Simon. Pie for Jack Horner. Pail for Jack and 

Jill. Crook for Bo-Peep. Basket for Red Riding 

Hood. Drum and bugle for Little Colonel, 

March hare for Alice. Swords for Pirates. Pipes 

for Peter Pan. 0 

Scene Plot. 


/ „? Shrubs and Trees 

Entrance ^ 




STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of stage ; C., center ; L., left. 
The actor is supposed to be facing the audience. 











THE EVER-EVER LAND. 


Scene: A woodland with trees , shrubs , flow- 
ers, etc. The characters, except the Fairy and 
the Child, enter L. of stage and go off at R. 

At rise of curtain, stage is darkened and clear. 
Enter Fairy, R ., followed by child. 

Fairy. 

( Advancing to C.) 

Thrice welcome to the Ever-Ever Land. 

Come closer, child; still closer. Take my hand. 
(Child takes her hand.) 

And you shall see most wondrous sights ; shall 
hear 

The elfin voices. Closer — do not fear. 

Child. 

( Drawing closer.) 

Tell me. What is the Ever-Ever Land? 

I cannot see — I cannot understand. 

Fairy. 

It is a land of smiles, of joys, of friends, 

Where nothing ever dies, or fades, or ends. 
Child. 

How wonderful it sounds! I want to stay — 

I want to see it all — show me the way ; 

And tell me — what enchanted, happy band 
Lives here, within the Ever-Ever Land? 

Fairy. 

You’ll md within these shady, sheltered nooks 
The little children whom you’ve loved in books. 


41 


Let’s Pretend 


Child. 

( Shuddering .) 

But it is dark and drear. I cannot see. 

Fairy. 

Then trust my scepter’s magic witchery. 

Child. 

( Wonderingly.) 

Your scepter? Fairy 

’Tis imagination. Bright 

It strikes the gloom for those who know its might. 
Behold — I wave it thrice! ( Waves wand.) 

From where you stand 

You’ll see the children of the Ever-Ever Land. 

( Withdraws to background as stage grows light.) 
Child. 

( Peering off L.) 

Who comes here? I seem to know her. Oh — 

( Clasps hands.) 

’Tis Mother Goose ! I used to love her so ! 


Enter Mother Goose. Child stands to her 

ri £^' Mother Goose. 

( Right of C,.) 

Yes, ’tis old Mother Goose, who plays her part 
And wins her way to every childish heart. 

Just listen while she speaks. You’ll find it true 
That she has lessons for the grown-ups, too. 
{Turns.) Come, Jack — be nimble! 

Enter Jack. 


Jack, be quick! 


Mother Goose. 


42 


The Ever-Ever Land 


Jack. 

( Placing candlestick at C.) 

Watch me jump over the candlestick! {Jumps 
over candlestick , picks it up and runs off.) 

Mother Goose. 

(To audience.) 

Behold! You laugh at such fandangos! 

They match your fox trots and your tangos ! 
(Turns.) There’s Simple Simon and the pieman! 

Enter Pieman followed by Simple Simon. 
Mother Goose. 

They’re going to the fair. 

Says Simple Simon to the Pieman: 

Simple Simon. 

Let me taste your ware. 

Mother Goose. 

Says the Pieman to Simple Simon : 

Pieman. 

(At C.) 

Show me first your penny. 

Mother Goose. 

Says Simple Simon to the Pieman: 

Simple Simon. 

Indeed, I haven’t any. 

(Exeunt Pieman and Simple Simon.) 
Mother Goose. 

Of modern occupations there are many ; 

But all declare : “Just show me first your penny.” 

Enter Jack Horner. 

43 


Let’s Pretend 


Mother Goose. 

Little Jack Horner, go sit in the corner. 

(Jack sits in comer at L. of stage.) 

Jack. 

I’m eating a Christmas pie; 

I’ve put in my thumb, 

And I’ve pulled out a plum — 

Oh ! What a good boy am I ! 

( Rises and runs off stage.) 

Mother Goose. 

When grown-ups manage things successfully, 
They smile and say : “What good boys all are we.” 

Enter Lady Bug. 

Mother Goose. 

Lady Bug! Lady Bug! Fly away home! 

Lady Bug. 

( Flitting across stage.) 

My house is on fire and my children alone ! 

{Runs off.) 

Mother Goose. 

No doubt she spent her morning at the club 
And left her children home. Ay, there’s the rub ! 

Enter Jack and Jill. 

Mother Goose. 

Upon my word, here’s Jack and Jill! 

Jack. 

{Running to C.) 

We both were coming up the hill 
To fetch a pail of water. 

44 


The Ever-Ever Land 


Jill. 

( Following .) 

Jack fell down and broke his crown — 

Jack. 

And Jill came tumbling after. ( Turning to Jill.) 
Now, Jill you know, 

You made me go 

To fetch that pail of water. 

My somersault 
Was all your fault, 

You know you hadn’t orter. 

Jill. 

So that’s your game — 

To shift the blame. 

Well, then, I’ll have my rights, sir; 

I’ll go away ( Stamps foot.) 

This very day, 

Where women win their fights, sir. 

( She chases Jack off of stage.) 

Mother Goose. 

Kind friends, right here, I fear, you’ve met 
One who will be a suffragette. 

Enter Bo-Peep. 

Mother Goose. 

Well! Little Bo-Peep! 

Bo-Peep. 

( Rubbing her eyes.) 

I’ve been asleep, 

And I’ve lost my sheep, 

And I don’t know where to find them. 


45 


Let's Pretend 







{Carelessly.) But I’ll leave them alone, 

And they’ll come home, 

Wagging their tails behind them. 

Mother Goose. 

{Severely.) 

Such carelessness I’ll not endure, Bo-Peep; 

I’ll go with you and help you find those sheep. 
{Exeunt Mother Goose and Bo-Peep.) 
Enter Little Red Riding Hood. 

Child. 

{Running to her.) 

Where are you going, dear Red Riding Hood? 
Red Riding Hood. 

{As she passes slowly across the stage.) 

I’m going to pick the flowers in the wood. 

And all the blossoms by my path, I know 
Are thoughts of children who have loved me so. 

Enter Cinderella. {Exit.) 


Child. 

Oh Cinderella, why are you in tatters? 

Cinderella. 

( Weeping.) 

I can’t go to the ball — so nothing matters. 

Child. 

{Drawing Fairy to front of stage.) 

Oh, come, dear Fairy, wave your golden scepter! 

(Fairy obeys and Cinderella throws off ragged 
cloak , disclosing ball dress.) So! 

Cinderella. 

{Curtseying.) 

Now Cinderella to the Prince will go! {Exit.) 

46 


The Ever-Ever Land 


Enter Hansel and Gretel. 

Hansel and Gretel. 

(At C.) 

We’re the little Dutch girl and the little Dutch 
boy, 

Hansel and Gretel. 

We’ve been for years the children’s joy — 

Hansel and Gretel! 

Hansel. 

(Running to Child.) 

Did you hear how we killed the wicked witch ? 
Gretel. 

(Running to Child.) 

How her gold and her jewels made us rich! 
Hansel and Gretel. 

( Together. ) 

Hansel and Gretel! (They run off.) 

Enter Little Men and Little Women and 
march slowly around the stage. 

Child. 

Oh, Fairy! Fairy! Tell me — who come here? 
Fairy. 

They illustrate two books to you most dear. 
Child. 

I’ll guess. Can it be this? (Whispers to Fairy.) 
Fairy. 

(Shaking her head.) 

No; guess again. 

Child. 

(Clapping hands.) 

I know! ’Tis Little Women and ’tis Little Men! 

47 


Let’s Pretend 


g- 

: ' 

( After the march , Little Men and Little 
Women dance a stately minuet , after which they 
move slowly off the stage.) 

Lord Fauntleroy enters and watches them 
disappear. Child. 

Oh, Fairy, whisper — who is that strange boy? 
Fairy. 

Why, have you never known Lord Fauntleroy? 
Child. 

( Advancing to Lord Fauntleroy.) 

Oh, Fauntleroy, why have you cut your curls? 
Lord Fauntleroy. 

Now, there you go — just like the other girls. 

I’ve cut my curls ’cause I wanted to try 
To be like the other fellows — that’s why. 

I’ve still a sash and a collar of lace, 

I’m still the lord of an English place ; 

But I wish I were just an ev’ryday boy, 

Instead of Cedric, Lord Fauntleroy! (Exit.) 
Enter Rebecca. 

Rebecca. 

(AtC.) 

I’ve a gay little laugh and a gay little song, 

And a gay little sunbonnet over my arm. 

My name I’ll tell — 

You know it well — 

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm! (Exit.) 

Enter Little Nell. 

Little Nell. 

I wear no royal robe or sparkling crown, 

I’ve won no place for deeds of great renown ; 


48 


The Ever-Ever Land 


But just a story, short and sad, I tell — 

The simple tale of Dickens’ Little Nell. (Exit.) 

Enter Little Colonel, beating drum. 

Little Colonel. 

Blow, bugle! Blow! 

(Blows bugle and marches up to Child.) 
’Tis you I’m a-tooting! 

Right about, face! (Turns sharply.) 

’Tis you I’m saluting! 

No book and no journal 
Holds name more eternal, 

Than this — Little Colonel! 

(Marches out beating drum.) 

Enter Alice. 


Alice. 

“The time has come,” the Walrus said — 

“To talk of many things, 

Of shoes — and ships — and sealing wax — 

Of cabbages and kings!” 

Child. 

(Running to her.) 

Oh, Alice, straight from Wonderland! 

Alice. 

Take care! 

I have right here with me the mad March Hare ! 

O 


The Pirates rush in and surround the Child 

and Alice. ^ ^ 

First Pirate. 

Here, good fellows, lend a hand! 

Second Pirate. 

We’ll bear them off to our pirate land! 

49 


Let’s Pretend 


Third Pirate. 

We’ll bind their hands and bind them fast ! 
Fourth Pirate. 

We’ll tie them upon our ship’s tall mast! 

Together. 

{Linking arms and advancing to front of stage.) 
One — two — three — four — pirates are we; 

Pirates fierce as there ever can be. 

Our deeds are dark 
And we leave no mark, 

But throw our victims to the hungry shark ! 

Enter Peter Pan. 

Peter Pan. 

Back to your hatches — every man! 

I come to the rescue — Peter Pan ! 

(Pirates hurriedly rush out.) 

I’m youth — eternal youth — the rising sun — 

The singing poet — the world that’s just begun — 
A little bird that’s broken from it’s shell — 

A happy human ’neath a fairy spell — 

And with it all, just Peter Pan — a boy 
Who won’t grow up. I’m joy, I’m joy, I’m joy! 
{Seizes Alice’s hand and with her runs off.) 
Child. 

{As stage darkens.) 

Oh, Fairy dear, they’ve gone — I cannot see — 

Oh, bid them all come back again to me ! 

Fairy. 

You may not join this happy, happy band — 

You may not linger in the Ever-Ever Land. 


50 


The Ever-Ever Land 


Child. 

Where is the Ever-Ever Land ? Some day 
I’m coming back — I’m coming back to stay. 

Fairy. 

The Ever-Ever Land is not apart ; 

It lies within a child’s own happy heart. 


Curtain. 



/ 


* 


WHEN THE TOYS AWAKE. 











CHARACTERS. 


A Child: 

The Mother. 
French Doll. 

Tin Soldiers (ten) 
Jumping Jack. ^ 
Spinning Top. 


Jack-in-the-Box. ' 
Clown, k 
Teddy Bear. ^ 
Sailor Boy. v' 
Sailor Girl. 


Place — A Nursery . 


Time — The Present. 


Time of Playing — About Twenty-jive Minutes. 


STORY OF THE PLAY. 

A child, awakening at midnight, finds her toys 
life-size, quite human and enjoying a revelry all 
their own. In answer to her inquiry, they inform 
her that such is their nightly custom, from twelve 
until the clock strikes four. She comments upon 
their happy life — their days of ease, their nights 

55 


Let’s Pretend 


of frolic — and, much to her surprise, they declare 
emphatically that such is not the case; that they 
have troubles of their own. Upon suggestion, 
they declare a Court of Grievances, with the child 
as judge; she hears their complaints, passes sen- 
tence and, at the last, joins in the general joy and 
jollity. 


CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

Child — Soft, pretty nightgown. 

Mother — Any simple, light costume. 

French Doll — Dainty, long-waisted lingerie 
dress and hat. Pink sash. Pink socks and patent 
leather slippers. 

Tin Soldiers — Medium sized boys. Dark, full 
trousers, white waists, red ties and cocked hats. 
Guns. 

Jumping Jack — Tall, thin boy. Tightly fitting 
suit of bright flowered material. Small red cap. 

Spinning Top — Small girl. White gown with 
very full skirt which has stripes running around 
it, so that when she whirls it gives the appearance 
of a top. 

Jack-in-the-Box — Small boy. Full white trou- 
sers, long red coat and peaked red hat. 

Clown — Ordinary clown suit, hat, etc. 

Teddy Bear — All over suit of brown, fuzzy ma- 
terial. 

Sailor Boy and Girl — Boy and girl of same 
size. Pretty sailor suits and caps. A simple sailor 
dance in connection with their speech is effective. 

56 


When the Toys Awake 


PROPERTIES. 

Rugs, pictures, muslin window curtains. Nar- 
row brass bed, completely equipped. Dressing ta- 
ble with silver toilet articles, manicure set (in- 
cluding scissors) and other accessories. Dressing 
table chair. Low rocking-chair; straight-backed 
chair. Table with books, top and jack-in-the-box. 
Lounge with pillows, clown and Teddy bear. Ten 
tin soldiers, toy boat, sailor bo} r and girl. Doll’s 
chair and French doll. Jumping jack on post of 
bed. Book for mother. Guns for soldiers. 


Scene Plot. 


_r 


| | Window Window [ 

Dressing Table\ / x x 


□ 

Rocking 

Chair 


Chair □ 


7 Bed 
'°Chalr 
i Doll’s Chair 
J wlth French Doll 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of stage ; C., center; R. C., right 
center; L., left; U. E ., upper entrance; F., flat or 
scene running across the back of the stage, etc. 
The actor is supposed to be facing the audience. 


57 


0 




WHEN THE TOYS AWAKE. 
PROLOGUE. 

Scene: A nursery. Full stage. Windows R. 
and L. of C. in F. and door at R. U. E. Child’s 
dressing table and chair at C. in F. Small rock- 
ing-chair R. in front of window. Table , L. U. E . 
Lounge down L. Child’s bed down R. Straight 
chair L. of bed. Dainty curtains for window , sil- 
ver articles for dressing table , cover for table , pil- 
lows for lounge , rugs , pictures , etc. On the table 
there are books , a top and a jack-in-the-box. On 
the lounge is a clown doll and a Teddy bear. At 
L. is a toy boat with sailor boy and girl. At R. is 
a doll chair in which there is a French doll. Over 
the bedpost is hung a jumping-jack. Under the 
window L. of C. in F. are the ten tin soldiers. 

At rise , room is dimly lighted. The child is in 
bed; the mother sits by her , reading. 

Mother. 

{Reads.) 

When the night comes down in a soft, dark cloud, 
And the twinkling stars peep through; 

When the moon rides high 
In a velvet sky, 

’Mid a path of midnight blue ; 

Then into the children’s drowsy eyes 
The Sand Man throws his sand, 

As he points the way 
From the Realm of Play 

To the magical Shut-Eye Land. 

59 


Let’s Pretend 


( The mother pauses in her reading , bends over 
the child , who stirs and speaks drowsily.) 

Child. 

I’m most to Shut-Eye Land myself. Before 
I reach there, won’t you read a little more? 
Mother. 

{Reads.) 

We think that the toys all go to rest 
When the trials of the day are o’er; 

That they vigil keep 
In a dreamless sleep 

From their place on the nursery floor. 
But no. When the children are gone away, 

Then the toys assume the power; 

For their whirl of fun 
Is but just begun 

When the clock strikes the midnight 
hour. 

Child. 

{Trying to keep awake.) 

Oh, mother, do you think they really do? 

Or is it just a tale for me and you? 

Mother. 

{Reading.) 

The little tin soldiers are quick to unbend 
From their queer little soldier quirks, 

In a manner rash 
Their guns go crash 

By a series of nervous jerks; 

The French dolly shakes her butterfly bows, 

60 


When the Toys Awake 


The top spins around in a whirl, 

Deciding by chance, 

To frivol and dance 

With the sailor boy and his girl. 

Child. 

( Very sleepily.) 

I — have — some — soldiers — and — a — dolly — too ; 
My — spinning — top — I — wonder — if — it’s — you! 

Mother. 

{Reading.) 

The jumping- jack hastens to tie himself 
In a wonderful loop-the-loop ; 

The clown and the bear 
Caper everywhere, 

With a grunt and a noisy whoop ; 

While a jack-in-the-box 
Causes nervous shocks 

When he springs ’mid the jolly group. 

They dance and they play in a dizzy whirl 
Till the clock on the stairway strikes four; 

Then with quickening pace 
Each seeks his own place 

In the group on the nursery floor. 

{The mother stops reading and the child seems 
to sleep. She rises , hends over the bed , straightens 
the covers and tiptoes out of the room R. U. E.) 

Curtain. 


61 


Let’s Pretend 


THE PLAY. 

Scene: The same. The toys in the prologue 
are replaced hy children who play the parts. The 
soldiers stand L. of C. in F. in two rows of five 
each. The top sits on the table; a large box from 
which the head of Jack-in-the-Box is protruding 
is placed in front of the table. The clown and 
Teddy bear are on the lounge; the sailor boy and 
girl sit on floor L. The French doll and the 
jumping- jack sit on floor R. Stage is brightly 
illuminated. 

A clock strikes twelve. At the last stroke the 
curtain rises , revealing the toys in position. After 
a moment the child stretches , rubs her eyes and 
sits upright , gazing around her. 

Child. 

( Dazed. ) 

What is it? Who are you? And where am I? 
French Doll. 

( Rising and leaning on foot of bed.) 

You’ll recognize us if you only try. 

Child. 

( Looking closely.) 

My own French dolly — is it really you? 

( Gazing at Clown and Bear.) 

And you, my funny clown — and Teddy, too ? 

( Catches sight of Soldiers.) 

And are you all my little soldier boys? 

French Doll. 

Just look around. You see your nursery toys. 
(Child gazes about her.) 

62 


When the Toys Awake 


Child. 

But you have grown. I’m frightened just a bit; 
So, Dolly, would you mind explaining it? 

{Crawls to foot of bed.) 

French Doll. 

Well, when the clock sends forth its midnight 
strokes, 

We nursery toys become like other folks. 

We dance, we play, we grow and grow and grow — 
Child. 

{Eagerly.) 

Till you’re the size of boys and girls? 

French Doll. 

{Nodding.) 

Quite so. Child. 

But don’t you ever sleep the whole night through? 
French Doll. 

Why should we? That’s for little girls like you. 
We cannot get acquainted through the day, 

We wait until you people go away, 

And then we have our fun. 


Child. 

{Eagerly.) 

Until what hour? 

French Doll. 

At stroke of four we lay aside our power. 
Child. 

And then? French Doll. 

We shrink and shrink and shrink until once more 
We are the toys you left the night before. 


63 


Let’s Pretend 


Child. 

( Clasping hands.) 

How wonderful! ( Looks around at all.) How 
lrnppy you must be ! 


Happy ! 

Top. 

(Scornfully.) 

Sailors. 

Happy ! 

(In amazement.) 

Jumping Jack. 

Happy ! 

(Disgustedly.) 

Soldiers. 

No, not we! 

(Emphatically.) 
(Bear grunts.) 


Child. 

(Shaking finger.) 


You are a very naughty nursery band. 

Why you’re not happy I can’t understand. 

Top. 

( Stepping toward child.) 

Just listen now — _ 

Child. 

( Interrupting .) 

One moment, if you please. 

(To all.) You all have nights of fun and days 

of ease. T ^ 

Jack-in-the-Box. 

(Laughing sarcastically.) 

“Days of ease.” I really must repeat it ! 

64 


When the Toys Awake 


Clown. 

{Holding side.) 

“Days of ease” — of ease! Now, can you beat it? 
(Bear grunts.) 

Child. 

( Settling herself on bed.) 

Come, tell me what you mean. It is my right ! 

(Top goes bach to table.) 

This is my realm, and I am queen tonight. 
French Doll. 

{Suddenly.) 

We’ll have a Court of Grievances. 

Hooray! All ' 

Jumping Jack. 

{Rising.) 

Before the queen each one shall say his say. 
{Crosses to lounge and seats himself.) 
Child. 

{To Soldiers.) 

Now, soldiers, do you ever whine or fret? 

Or wish that you were somewhere else? 

Soldiers. 

{Fervently.) 

You bet! Child. 

{Shaking her head.) 

Dear me, you really needn’t shout it; 

We’ll see what we can do about it. 

{Soldiers mark time , march to front of stage 
and sing to the tune of “ Yankee Doodle .”) 

65 


Let’s Pretend 


Soldiers. 

We are getting pretty tired 
Of all this nurs’ry prattle; 

Want to see a real war 
And fight a real battle. 

CHORUS. 

We want to find a real foe, 

Want to do some fighting. 

Want to quit this nurs’ry job 
For something more exciting. 

We don’t think this soldier’s life 
Is anything that’s thrilling ; 

We can never fight nor shoot 
Nor can our squad be drilling. 

(Repeat chorus.) 

After song the Soldiers wheel , salute Child 
and stand in long row from R . to L. at back of 

sta S e • Child. 

I’m sorry that you even want to go 
To find a really, truly fighting foe; 

But if you promise you will march and drill 
And never try to shoot or hurt or kill; 

I’ll buy some other soldiers — honor bright — 

You all can have it out tomorrow night. 

Will that help any? 

( The Soldiers cheer and crash guns . ) 
Mercy, such a clatter ! (Top rushes to C. of stage.) 
Why, Spinning Top, whatever is the matter? 
Top. 

( Whirling furiously and addressing Soldiers.) 
Indeed, and what’s the matter with you? 

You shouldn’t complain of what you do. 

66 


When the Toys Awake 


You stand all day, 

In a comfortable way. 

If you all did this ! { Whirls again.) 

Then what would you say? ( Rushes to Child.) 
Child. 

You do live in a dreadful whirl, that’s sure; 

I’ll recommend to you a long rest cure. 

( Pushes her into chair L . of bed.) 
Jumping Jack. 

( Coming forward and addressing the Child.) 
And what would you say if your arms and legs 
Were loosely hung on so many pegs? 

If you wiggled and rattled from morn to eve 
With never so much as “by your leave.” 

You’d kick — don’t deny it; 

And if you should try it, 

You’d know why I long to be perfectly quiet. 
( Kneels before the Child.) 

Child. 

{Patting his head.) 

You are a nervous wreck, you poor, dear thing! 

( Ponders. ) I wonder what — ( suddenly ) — I know ; 
I’ll cut the string! 

{Runs to dressing table , seizes scissors , cuts im- 
aginary string. She climbs into bed , throws a 
pillow to the Jumping Jack, who rushes to front 
of stage and stretches full length on the floor.) 
Jack-in-the-Box. 

{Jumping from box and hopping to C. of stage.) 
Suppose you scared people quite out of their wits 
And sent all the babes into spasms and fits ; 
Suppose you were stuffed in a tiresome old box, 

67 


Let’s Pretend 


All shut in and held by mechanical locks! 

Honest, sometimes when I pop from that lid 
I think I could be quite the happiest kid 
Could I just bow and smile, 

Be calm all the while, 

And know that I never again would be hid. 
Child. 

Oh, you should see the world — you really should — 
That old box top shall be propped up for good. 

I promise that you’ll never more be vexed 
By such a shut-in life. (Jack-in-the-Box goes 
back to box and sits upon it.) Who’s next? 
French Doll. 

( Steps to C. of stage , curtseys stiffly and recites 
mechanically . ) 

If you press the button you will hear me say 
( Presses button.) Mam-ma! Pa-pa! 

In the morning, night or any time of day — 

( Presses button.) Mam-ma! Pa-pa! 

I try to dress in true Parisian style, 

I always wear an everlasting smile, 

And I’m made to keep a-squeaking all the time. 

( Presses button.) Mam-ma ! Pa-pa ! 

On some fine morning when you want to hear, 
{Presses button.) Mam-ma! Pa-pa! 

You will find my workings are a little queer, 

( Presses button.) Mam-ma! Pa-pa! 

My bows and Paris dress I will forget, 

I’ll be a raging, raving suffragette; 

When you press the button this is what you’ll get. 
( Presses button.) B-r-r-r! B-r-r-r! 

68 


When the Toys Awake 


Child. 

(a Sadly.) 

My dear French dolly, just to think that you 
Should want to join the suffragette-y crew! 

I’ll put you in an ugly little bonnet 

That has a “Votes for Women” badge upon it; 

And fold your pretty, pretty clothes away ; 

I know you’ll want them back again some day. 

(French Doll curtseys and stands at foot of 
bed.) 

( Sailors advance to C. and give sailor dance as 
they speak.) Sailor Boy. 

Oh, the sailor lad and lassie are we — 

Both. 

Heave-ho ! 

Sailor Girl. 

Do we spend our life on the bounding sea? 

Both. 

Oh, no! 

Do we tie the ropes ’gainst the threatening gale? 
Do we climb to the top of the mizzen-mast sail? 
Do we keep a watch for the deadly whale? 

Oh, no! 

Heave-ho ! 

Instead we are placed in a wooden boat, 

On a carpet sea we are set afloat — 

Heave-ho ! 

Sailor Girl. 

Are we glad to be free from the tempest’s clutch? 
To rest on the nursery floor? 

69 


Let’s Pretend 


Sailor Boy. 

( Emphatically. ) 

Not much! 

( They retire to L. and seat themselves again.) 
Child. 

I really do not blame you. Take your boat ; 
Hereafter in the bathtub it shall float! 

(Sailors salute.) 

Come on, my funny clown and Teddy bear. 
(Clown and Bear trot forward hand in hand.) 
You are a very gay and giddy pair; 

And yet, I wonder if you ever tire 
Of capering at everyone’s desire. 

Clown. 

{At C.) 

We’re supposed, as you say, to be always gay, 

Me and my Teddy bear. (Bear grunts.) 

We tumble and caper the livelong day, 

Me and my Teddy bear. (Bear grunts.) 
This scattering sunshine, don’t you see, 

Is never what it’s cracked up to be ; 

It’s an aw’ful bore to you and me — 

Ain’t it, old Teddy bear? (Bear grunts.) 

Child. 

So, everybody has his ups and downs, 

And even Teddy bears and funny clowns. 

Your time, your patience surely ’s been abused, 
It’s certainly your turn to be amused. 

( Jumps from bed and seizes hand of each.) 
Come ! Both of you shall sit in solemn state 
And all the rest of us will celebrate. 


70 


When the Toys Awake 


( Rushes to lounge , takes pillows , makes two piles 
at C. of stage, pushes Clown on one and Bear 
on the otlie)r.) 

Join hands ! ( All form circle.) We’ll have a merry, 
merry dance! 

Till break of day we’ll whirl and madly prance, 

Nor shall our fun and reveling be o’er 

Until the clock chimes out the hour of four ! 

( All circle round and round Clown and Bear 

until — ) ~ 

7 Curtain. 


EPILOGUE. 

Scene: Same as that of Prologue. Curtain 
rises on clear stage with Child asleep. After a 
few moments the Mother enters , raises the blinds 
of windows R. and L. of C. in F. 

Mother. 

( Coming to bed.) 

’Tis breakfast time, you sleepy sleepy head! 

The sun is laughing ’cause you’re still in bed. 
Your eyes must surely have been full of sand 
Since you have lingered in the Shut-Eye Land. 

(Child sits up in bed and rubs her eyes.) 
Dear me, I think you’re dreaming even yet! 

(Child moves to foot of bed and looks over.) 
You want your dolly? 

Child. 

No; my suffragette. 

Mother. 

( Puzzled. ) 

Your suffragette! You mean your jumping jack. 

71 


Let’s Pretend 


Child. 

{Settling herself at foot of bed.) 

Oh, mother, get my scissors — quick! (Mother 
hurries to dressing table , gets scissors.) Hurry 
back! ( She comes back to bed.) 

I really cannot do another thing 
Until I cut this miserable string. 

Mother. 

{Severely.) 

And now you’ve ruined your jumping jack, I fear. 
Child. 

Just resting up his muscles, mother dear. 

{Lays Jumping Jack carefully on bed.) 
And, mother, draw my table drawer out — wide — 
(Mother obeys.) 

And lay my little spinning top inside. 

(Mother obeys.) 

And lay her so she’s comf’table — be sure. 

I promised her a beautiful rest cure. 

Mother. 

{Returning to bed and smoothing Child’s hair.) 
My dear, you talk so strangely. Won’t you tell 
What is the matter? Surely you’re not well. 

Child. 

{Pointing to Jack-in-the-Box.) 

And raise the lid — right now — for Jack-in-Box — 
I said he’d never more be held by nursery locks. 

(Mother crosses to Jack-in-the-Box with a 
puzzled air and raises the lid.) 

72 


When the Toys Awake 


Mother. 

Perhaps a naughty little dream is holding you ; 
Tell mother and we’ll see what we can do. 

( She returns to Child.) 

Child. 

( Eagerly rising on knees and seizing her mother's 
hands.) 

Oh/may I buy some extra soldier boys? 

(Mother makes gesture of protest.) 

Why, mother, ten can’t make a bit of noise 

Without an enemy. It isn’t right 

For them to have no real foes to fight. 

Mother. 

{Smoothing pillow and gently pushing CHfLD 
upon it.) 

Yes, yes; I’ll buy them. Now you lie quite still 
And take a little sugar-coated pill. 

Child. 

And, mother, will you fill the bathtub, too? 

My sailor dolls prefer the ocean blue. 

Now, mother dear, you surely will agree 
That it’s no fun to sail a carpet sea. 

Mother. 

{Pulling up covers.) 

Now I’ll be back i,n just a little while; 

{Goes to lounge and gets Clown and Bear.) 
Here’s clown and Teddy bear. They’ll make you 
smile. 


73 


Let’s Pretend 


Child. 

Oh, no, they won’t. They even won’t obey; 
They’ve got to be amused the livelong day, 

For scattering sunshine is an awful bore. 

They’re not obliged to do it any more. 

Mother. 

( Sitting in chair beside bed.) 

They’re very strange, these things you say and.do, 
Won’t you tell mother what is bothering you? 

Child. 

( Sitting up in bed.) 

Why, nothing bothers me. But I have seen 
The toys dance and play. I’ve been their queen; 
I’ve listened to their troubles, heard their pleas, 
And now I’ll try to bring them days of ease. 
Sometime, I hope, you’ll join in all the fun, 

Will meet the toys and dollies one by one, 

For there’s no happier pilgrimage to take 
Than to the nursery when the toys awake! 

Curtain. 


74 


THE FOREST OF EVERY DAY. 



76 






CHARACTERS. 


The Princess. 
Miss Jenkins (her 
governess). 

The Guide. 

Self. 

Arithmetic. 

Grammar. 


Pleasure. 

Envy. 

Contentment. 
Imagination. 
Bad Temper. 
Self-Control. 


Place — The Forest of Every Day. A Summer 
Afternoon. 


Time of Playing — About Twenty-five Minutes. 


Note — The parts may dll he assumed by girls or, if 
desired, Self, Arithmetic, Grammar, Bad Temper and 
Self-Control may be assigned to boys. 


STORY OF THE PLAY. 

A naughty little princess has a dream in which 
she finds herself in the Forest of Every Day, in 
quest of Happiness. Many adventures come her 

77 


Let’s Pretend 


way, strange folk make her acquaintance, and 
when she awakens, the memory of her experiences 
helps to make her a wiser and better little girl. 


CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

The Princess — Pretty little modern gown. 
Large flower-laden hat with broad ribbon ties. 

Miss Jenkins — Black dress and hat. White 
collar and cuffs. 

The Guide — Long, loose, white gown. Flowing 
hair. 

Self — Brown domino and hood. 

Grammar. j Loose black cloaks over fancy 

Arithmetic, i coats and trousers. 

Pleasure — Short, scarlet tarlatan dress, 
adorned with spangles and gold. She carries a 
garland of flowers. 

Envy — Short gown of bright green with silver 
trimmings. 

Contentment — Short, simple white gown made 
Grecian style. 

Imagination — Short, fluffy gown of some 
bright color. Spangled scarf of same color, at- 
tached in back and tied to each wrist. Shining 
wand. 

Bad Temper — Witch’s costume with pointed 
hat. 

Self-Control — Long, loose gown of some del- 
icate color. Flowing hair. 

78 


The Forest of Every Day 


PROPERTIES. 

Bench with pillows ; shrubbery, flowers, tree 
stump, trees, etc. Large hat and books for Prin- 
cess. Book and fancy work for Miss Jenkins. 
Opera glasses (preferably pearl and gold) for 
Guide. Burden for Arithmetic. Golden heart for 
Contentment. Wand for Imagination. 

Scene Plot. 


Prologue and epilogue. 


-L. Flowers 



Bench 


Flowers % A_ 


c Entrance 



THE PLAY. 


X 

Entrance 


Thick Shrubbery 



Tree Stump 


c Entrance 

VI 


Door 

~T 


STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of the stage; C., center; L., left 
of stage ; C. in F., center of flat or scene running 
across the back of the stage ; up stage, away from 
footlights ; down stage, near footlights. The actor 
is supposed to be facing the audience. 


79 


THE FOREST OF EVERY DAY. 
PROLOGUE. 

Scene : A forest. Landscape drop. Entrances 
at R. and L. An abundance of trees , shrubbery , 
etc., down L. and R. Grass for floor. Practical 
door down L. hidden by shrubbery in prologue. 
Rustic bench with pillows at C. in F. Stage illu- 
minated for late afternoon. 

At rise , discovered , Miss Jenkins seated at L. 
of bench with large book and fancy work in lap; 
Princess at R. of bench with two school books . 

Princess. 

(Angrily.) 

I won’t — I won’t — I say I won't! 

Miss Jenkins 
( Coaxingly .) 

But, your royal highness — 

Princess. 

( Interrupting .) 

No, Miss Jenkins; no. I won't! 

Miss Jenkins 
(Sighing.) 

Dear, dear, dear! 

Princess. 

Why do you sigh like that? 

Miss Jenkins. 

Because it grieves me to think of a princess who 
chooses to be ignorant. 


81 


Let’s Pretend 


Princess. 

{Tossing her head.) 

A princess may do as she likes. 

Miss Jenkins. 

But that does not keep her people from being 
sorry for her. Princess . 

People could never be sorry for a princess. 

Miss Jenkins. 

Oh, I think they could! Suppose the princess 
did not know so much as they. 

Princess. 

( Throwing a hook.) 

I hate arithmetic and — ( throwing another hook) 
I hate grammar — and I won’t study them — so 
now! ( Pause of a few moments.) Why don’t you 

say something? ,, T 

® Miss Jenkins. 

( Opening hook in her lap.) 

Why should I? Would you listen to me? 

Princess. 

Not if you told me to study arithmetic and 
grammar. Miss j ENKINS 

Your royal highness, a princess who cannot rule 
herself, cannot rule others. 

Princess. 

( Disdainfully .) 

Much you know about it, Miss Jenkins. You've 
never been a princess. 

Miss Jenkins. 

{Quietly.) 

No, I’ve never been a princess. 

82 


The Forest of Every Day 


Princess. 

And I don’t want to rule myself. I don’t want 
to be ruled by anybody. 

Miss Jenkins. 

Except self. p RINCES s. 

( Haughtily .) 

A princess may do anything she wishes. You 
know that. She isn’t obliged to obey anybody — 
and she may have anything in the world. 

Miss Jenkins. 

Except happiness. 

Princess. 

( Curiously .) 

What do you mean by — happiness? 

Miss Jenkins. 

Something that everybody is looking for — that 
everybody wants. 

Princess. 

But I have it, haven’t I? 

Miss Jenkins. 

No, your royal highness, you haven’t happiness. 
You don’t know what it is. 

Princess. 

Then I’ll buy it! 

Miss Jenkins. 

But it can’t be bought. 

Princess. 

Everything can be bought. 

Miss Jenkins. 

Not happiness. It must be found. 

8S 


Let’s Pretend 


Princess. 

{Rising.) 

Then I’ll find it. 

Miss Jenkins. 

It is often a long and weary search. 

Princess. 

It won’t be for a princess. ( Crosses bach of 
bench to L.) M[ss J ENKINS . 

Harder and wearier for a princess than for any- 
one else. Princess. 

(Sitting on arm of bench by Miss Jenkins.) 
Where will I find it? 

Miss Jenkins. 

That depends upon you. 

Princess. 

Is it in the palace? 

Miss Jenkins. 

Princess. 

Miss Jenkins. 

Princess. 

Miss Jenkins. 

Princess. 

(With disgust.) 

You don’t know yourself. 

Miss Jenkins. 

Perhaps not. p RINCESS . 

Have you ever seen it? 

Miss Jenkins. 

Yes, I’ve seen it. 


No. 

The court? 
Seldom. 

The forest? 
Sometimes. 


84 


The Forest of Every Day 


Princess. 

What does it look like? 

Miss Jenkins. 
It is never the same. 


Princess. 

Then how will I know it when I see it? 

Miss Jenkins. 

You’ll just know — that’s all. 

Princess. 

Why didn’t you keep it? 

Miss Jenkins. 


I tried. 


Princess. 


But you couldn't? 


Miss Jenkins. 
{Shaking head.) 


I couldn’t. Pbincess . 

{Rising.) 

Happiness will never get away from me. When 
I find it I’ll lock it in. ( Walks to R.) 


Miss Jenkins. 
Locks won’t keep it. 


Princess. 

But the locks of the palace are strong. 
Miss Jenkins. 

Not strong enough to hold happiness. 

Princess. 

{Coming hack.) 

But, Miss Jenkins— 


85 


Let’s Pretend 


Miss Jenkins. 

{Hastily.) 

Now, now, your royal highness, you’ve talked 
enough. ( Gives her the large book.) Sit quietly 
and look at the pretty book if you won’t study 
your lessons. And when the sun goes down we’ll 
walk back to the terrace and have tea. ( T akes up 
fancy work.) 

(The Princess takes a pillow from the bench , 
throws it on ground down R. and seats herself.) 

Princess. 

(To herself.) 

It’s not in the palace, it’s hard to keep, it never 
looks the same, but I’ll know it when I find it. It’s 
a very strange thing, this happiness, but I want it. 
I’ve always had just what I wanted and I’m going 
to have — this ! Tomorrow I’ll hunt every place. 
{Suddenly.) Why, it may be in this very forest; 
who knows? {Closes book.) I won’t wait till to- 
morrow. I’ll begin right now — to look for hap- 
piness. {Looks furtively around at Miss Jenkins, 
who does not notice her , and rises.) 

Curtain. 

THE PLAY. 

Scene : Same as Prologue , with enough change 
to make the setting seem another part of the for- 
est. Bench is removed. Door down L. is revealed. 

Discovered , Princess, sitting on tree stump y 
at R. of stage. She carries her hat over her 
arm. Self stands directly back of her and 

86 


The Forest of Every Day 


throughout the act keeps this position , moving as 
she does. The Guide stands at C . 

Princess. 

(To Guide.) 

What is the name of this forest? 

Guide. 

It is the Forest of Every Day. 

Princess. 

( Looking around.) 

Why should anything so beautiful be called 
Every Day? Guide. 

All the beautiful things are everyday things. 
Princess. 

Then why haven’t I seen them before this? 
Guide. 

Perhaps you haven’t cared to see them. 
Princess. 

( Haughtily .) 

I am the Princess. (Rises.) 

Guide. 

All have the same rank in the Forest of Every 
Princess. 

And I am looking for happiness. 

Guide. 

Many are looking for happiness. 

Princess. 

( Taking step forward.) 

Will I find it — here? 

Guide. 

Happiness may always be found in the Forest 
of Every Day. 


87 


Let’s Pretend 


Princess. 

Then lead me. Guide. 

I may not lead you to happiness, for happiness 
must be found by the one who seeks. 

Princess. 

Then go with me. ( Crosses to her,) 

Guide. 

Gladly. Princess. 

Who are you? Guide. 

You will know my name at the end of the 
journey. P*i NC ess. 

You mean when I find happiness? 

Guide. 

When you find happiness. 

Enter Arithmetic and Grammar at upper L. 

They stand there. 

* Princess. 

( Pointing . ) 

What are those ugly shapes? They should not 
be in the Forest of Every Day. 

Guide. 

( Turning . ) 

Why do you call them ugly? 

Princess. 

Because they are. See! One is all bent and 

crooked and he carries a burden. 

Guide. 

That is Arithmetic, and the burden is given by 
you children. Your tears and impatience and un- 
willingness to learn help to make him bent and 
crooked. 


88 


The Forest of Every Day 


Princess. 

And the other has many scars and wounds and — 
Guide. 

That is English Grammar. All of you have 
tried to murder him. 

Princess. 

( Hiding her eyes.) 

I don’t like them. I don’t want to see them. 
(Guide leads her down stage to L.) 

Guide. 

Plere. ( Hands opera glasses , which she wears 
on a ribbon around her neck.) Suppose you look 
at them through my glasses and tell me what hap- 
pens. 

(Arithmetic and Grammar quickly drop cloaks 
and burden , straighten up and walk slowly across 
stage to R.) p MNCESS . 

(As she looks.) 

Why, they’ve changed. They’ve changed ! Arith- 
metic is straight and splendid and his face is kind. 
Grammar is shining and beautiful. (Exeunt Gram- 
mar and Arithmetic at R.) 

Guide. 

You are looking through the glasses of Patience 
and Perseverance. They have a magic all their 
own for they make the commonest objects fair and 
beautiful. Princess. 

May I keep them? 

Guide. 

If you will use them each day. 

Princess. 

I promise. (Hangs the glasses around her neck 

89 


Let’s Pretend 


and turns.) What is the shadow that follows? It 
never leaves me. Guide. 

It’s your shadow. g ELF 

My name is Self. 

Princess. 

But I do not want you — so near. 

Self. 

You cannot help yourself. I am closer to you 
and dearer to you than anybody else. 

Princess. 

Do you go with me all the way? 

Self. 

All the way, unless — 

Princess. 

Unless what? Self. 

Unless you forget me. 

Enter Pleasure at upper R. 

Pleasure. 

{Dancing toward them.) 

Oh, pretty maid, come away with me. Come 
away. I am Pleasure. 

Princess. 

{Clasping her hands.) 

^ * Pleasure. 

I am gay and shining and I will lead you into 
flowery paths. Let me be your guide. {Pauses 

ai ^-) Princess. 

{Glancing first at Pleasure and then at the 
Guide.) 

She’s beautiful — so beautiful. 


90 


The Forest of Every Day 


Guide. 

And I am plain. Choose, then, between us. 
Self. 

( Whispering. ) 

Follow Pleasure. Follow Pleasure. 


Princess. 

(To herself.) 

There is gold on her garment. 

Guide. 

But when you draw close to her you will find it 

^ nse *’ Princess. 

She will lead me into pretty paths. 

Guide. 

But you will not find happiness. 


Princess. 

Then I will not go. 

(Pleasure dances to L. and goes off. Princess 
follows her and looks off stage wistfully.) 


Contentment enters at L. as Envy enters at R. 


I want you 
ment. 


Choose me. 


Contentment. 
for my playfellow. 

Envy. 

(Coming to C.) 

I am Envy. 


I am Content- 


Self. 

(Whispering as she points to Envy.) 
She wears prettier clothes. Let’s have her. 


91 


Let’s Pretend 


Princess. 

(To Contentment.) 

What will you promise me if I play with you? 

Contentment. 

(In surprise .) 

Promise you? Why, all the beautiful things 
that we find in the Forest of Every Day. (They 
join Envy at C.) EnvY- 

Contentment is always satisfied with plain, 
everyday things. I want to go into the World 
Outside. I am tired of all this! 

Princess. 

How can you be tired of anything so beautiful? 

Envy. 

(Disdainfully.) 

Do you call this beautiful? Why, off there 
(pointing off stage) there are golden palaces and 
kings and queens and princesses. 

Princess. 

(Haughtily.) 

7 am a princess. Envy. 

Yes, but you haven’t all the pretty clothes and 
the spending money that the princesses in the 
Outside World have. 

Contentment. 

( Whispering. ) 

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t. 

Envy. 

(Impatiently.) 

Oh, come, come ! We are tired of this place. We 


The Forest of Every Day 


want what other people have — the fun, the money, 
the pretty things. g ELF 

( Whispering.) 

Let’s go ; let’s go. 

Princess. 

But I like it here. {Takes Contentment’s 
hand.) I choose to stay with Contentment. 
Envy. 

Then I’ll say goodbye. {Goes to R. and turns.) 
Where Contentment is, I can never be. {Exit R.) 

Imagination enters at L. 


Princess. 
{In wonder.) 

Is it a fairy? 

Contentment. 
The fairy, Imagination. 


Imagination. 

{Dancing toward Princess.) 

Let me touch your eyes. {Touches eyes with 

wand.) There! ^ 

' Princess. 

{Looking around.) 

Oh! What’s happened? The trees aren’t trees. 
They’re lovely, graceful ladies, bowing and glid- 
ing and dancing. 

Imagination. 

{Pointing off R.) 

And look! Peincess . 

{Looking.) 

Are the fireflies really little elves? What are 
they carrying? 


93 


Let’s Pretend 


Imagination. 

The prayers of the flowers. 

Princess. 

( Looking up.) 

The sky is a mirror — a wonderful mirror. 
Imagination. 

And it reflects the good and the naughty things 
we do. ( Touches Princess’ ears with wand.) 

^ sten * Princess. 

Are they fairy harps that we hear? 

Imagination. 

The music of happy hearts. 

Princess. 

And the birds ! I can understand their songs. 
Imagination. 

Imagination does that for you. Imagination 
touches the daily sights and the daily tasks with 

ma S ic * Princess. 

I shall want you with me always. ( Reaches out 
both hands.) Imagination. 

{Dancing off.) 

Then you have only to shut your eyes, to wish 
for me and I shall be there. {Exit R.) 

Princess. 

{To Contentment and Guide.) 

Come, let us go on. But first there is a door 
that I must open. {Points to door at lower L.) 
Guide. 

Be careful. {Points to ground.) 

91 


The Forest of Every Day 


Princess. 

Oh, the pretty flowers ! And I almost stepped 
on them. ( Looks closer.) They have little faces. 

Guide. 

And they smile when people think of them and 
weep when people tread upon them. 

Princess. 

But who would tread upon them? 

Guide. 

They are called Other People’s Feelings and 
many of us do not fear to hurt Other People’s 
Feelings. Princess. 

Oh, I’ve hurt them so often. But I didn’t know 
it was like this — I didn’t know\ Oh, I shall never 
do it again. I promise. 

Contentment. 

Then you shall have the Order of the Loving 
Heart as a reward. (Pins golden heart upon her 
as Self quietly steals away and off at R.) And 
with the Loving Heart one does not hurt another. 

Princess. 

(Looking around.) 

Why, where is Self? 

Gihde. 

She has gone. 

Princess. 

I had forgotten her. 

Guide. 

And when Self is forgotten she steals away. 

Princess. 

(Taking hand of each.) 

Now come with me. I must find what is behind 
the door. 


95 


Let’s Pretend 


Guide. 

Do not go near. It is a wretched place. Within 
there lives a cruel witch, Bad Temper. 


Princess. 

But I will not let her catch me. I promise. And 
I must see everything in the Forest of Every Day. 
( Coaxingly. ) Come. 


I may not. 


Guide. 

Contentment. 

Nor I. ( They withdraw to R.) 

Princess. 

Then will you wait for me? ( Knocks at door.) 
Bad Temper opens door , springs out and seizes 
Princess. Bad Temper . 

So, ho, my little princess. You’ve come to me 
at last. You’re mine to use as I will. 


Princess. 

{Struggling.) 

Oh, no, no ! Please let me go. 

Bad Temper. 

Not so fast; not so fast. Anybody who has 
been as fond of me as you have been ought to be 
glad to become my willing slave. 

Princess. 

But I don’t want to be your slave. 

Bad Temper. 

Haven’t you called upon me when you couldn’t 
get your lessons? 

xr . , Princess. 

Yes, but — 

Bad Temper. 

And when things didn’t suit you? 

96 


The Forest of Every Day 


_ . Princess. 

Perhaps. 

Bad Temper. 

And when you didn’t get what you wanted? 
Princess. 

But I didn’t mean — 

Bad Temper. 

To become my property. No, of course you 
didn’t. But I’ve got you now. I’ve got you now ! 
Princess. 

( In despair .) 

Save me — oh ! save me ! 

Contentment. 

{Sadly.) 

Only Self-Control can save you from Bad Tem- 
P er • Bad Temper. 

’Tis too late now. When Bad Temper once lays 
hold of a victim, she does not loose her grasp. 

Princess. 

{Calling.) 

Self-Control, save me! Take me away! 

Enter Self-Control at R . 
Self-Control. 

Who calls me? {As she spies Bad Temper and 
the Princess.) Ah, your charm again, Bad Tem- 
per! {Crosses to C.) Let her go. 

Bad Temper. 

{As she pushes Princess toward door.) 

Onde over this doorstep, once over this door- 
step, and you are mine ! 


97 


Let’s Pretend 


Self-Control. 

( Coming to Princess.) 

Princess, give me your hand. (She takes her 
outstretched hand.) And listen. If you cross the 
doorstep you are in the power of Bad Temper. If 
I am to save you, you must help me. (They pull 
away from Bad Temper.) You must pull with 
me. (They struggle more fiercely.) You must — 
(they break away from Bad Temper) There! 
Her charm is broken. (Exit Bad Temper into 
door , shaking her fist.) 


Princess. 

Oh, how could I call upon her ! How could I put 
myself in her power! (Takes hands of Self-Con- 
trol.) Oh, Self-Control, Self-Control, I’m very 
grateful. (After a moment.) Shall we all go on 

now? Guide. 

(Coming to C.) 

There is no need to go farther. The search is 

over ‘ Princess. 

But I must find Happiness. 

Guide. 

You have already found Happiness. 

Princess. 

I have found Contentment and Self-Control. 


Guide. 

You have seen through the glasses of Patience 
and Perseverance. You have spared Other People’s 
Feelings. You bear the Order of the Loving 
Heart. You have forgotten Self. So Happiness 
is close by. 


98 


The Forest of Every Day 


Princess. 

( Stepping nearer.) 

Are — you — Happiness ? 

Guide. 

I am Happiness. I have been with you from 
the very first. You have had only to stretch forth 
your hand to touch me. 

Princess. 

{In awe.) 

Contentment, Self-Control, Happiness! I have 
found you all in the Forest of Every Day ! 

Curtain. 

EPILOGUE. 

Scene: Same as Prologue. Discovered , Prin- 
cess, lying on ground with head on pillow. Miss 
Jenkins bends over her. 

Miss Jenkins. 

Wake up, wake up, your royal highness. The 
sun is set and we are late. 

Princess. 

{Sleepily.) 

Why, I thought I was in the Forest of Every 
Day. {Sits up.) 

Miss Jenkins. 

You’re in the palace grounds. What do you 
mean by the Forest of Every Day? 

Princess. 

It’s where Contentment and Self-Control and 
Happiness are found. 


99 


Let’s Pretend 


Miss Jenkins. 

{Puzzled.) 

I don’t understand. 

Princess. 

I’m going to be a good princess, Miss Jenkins. 
I promise. Miss j ENKINS 

{Anxiously.) 

It must have been an ugly dream, your highness. 

Princess. 

Oh, it was a beautiful dream. Imagination 
touched my eyes. 

Miss Jenkins. 

You’re joking with me. 

Princess. 

Oh, no, I’m not ; for if you step on other people’s 
feelings you don’t get the Loving Heart. {As Miss 
Jenkins looks at her closely.) Oh, you may not 
see it, but it’s here. {Touches her heart.) 

Miss Jenkins. 

Pick up your arithmetic and your grammar. 

Princess. 

{As she picks them up.) 

Poor old arithmetic, poor old grammar! 

Miss Jenkins. 

{Sharply.) 

What makes you talk in such a way? You hate 
your books. Princess. 

Not when I see them through the glasses of Pa- 
tience and Perseverance. 


100 


The Forest of Every Day 


Miss Jenkins. 

Nonsense ! 

Princess. 

Oh, no it isn’t, dear Miss Jenkins. 

Miss Jenkins. 

( In amazement.) 

Dear Miss Jenkins! 

Princess. 

( Coming close to her.) 

You’re going to find me very different, because — 
Miss Jenkins. 

Because what? 

Princess. 

I’ve been in the Forest of Every Day. 

Curtain. 


101 






A CHRISTMAS TREE JOKE. 



104 



CHS0STMfl^ 1 
XREE 
«JOKE 



CHARACTERS. 


Christmas Day — the 
host. 

Christmas Eve — his 
sister. 

New Year. 
Valentine. 

St. Patrick. 

April Fool. 


May Queen. 

June Graduate. 
Fourth of July. 
August Vacation. 
Labor. 
Hallowe’en. 
Thanksgiving. 
Father Time. 


Place — Christmas Day's Living Room. 
Time — The Twenty- fifth of December. 
Time of Playing — About Thirty Minutes. 


STORY OF THE PLAY. 

Christmas Day is entertaining the other holidays 
at a Yule-time party. He leaves his sister, Christ- 
mas Eve, to put the last touches to the tree on 
which there is a remembrance for each guest, and 

105 


Let’s Pretend 


during his absence, April Fool persuades her to 
change the cards on the gifts. Much consternation 
and entanglement follow — all of which is finally 
righted by the host. 


CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

Christmas Day — Serious and dignified. White 
flannel suit, sprig of holly in buttonhole. At the 
very beginning of the play he wears a dressing 
gown. 

Christmas Eve — Full of mischief. White gown 
trimmed with holly and mistletoe. 

New Year — Small boy. White suit of a mod- 
ern style. 

Valentine — Sentimental. Dainty white tarla- 
tan dress with adornment of red hearts, cupids, 
etc. 

St. Patrick — Good-natured and jovial. Irish 
suit with tight trousers and long coat. Carries 
tall sugar-loaf hat. 

April Fool — Mischievous. Conventional jester 
costume with cap and bells. 

May Queen — Affected. Fluffy white gown. 
Wreath of flowers. 

June Graduate — Haughty. College cap and 
gown over white dress. 

Fourth of July — Athletic type. Costume of 
red, white and blue. 

August Vacation — Athletic girl. Sport suit, 
sweater, etc. 

Labor — Matter-of-fact. Dark trousers, high 

boots, flannel shirt. Carries slouch hat. 

106 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


Hallowe’en — Quick in manner and speech. 
Black tarlatan dress with jack-o’-lanterns of or- 
ange cardboard, suspended from belt by orange 
colored ribbons. Witch’s cap. 

Thanksgiving — Amiable and elderly. Plain, 
dark dress. White shawl. 

Father Time — Old and tottery. Long, white 
beard. Loose, black gown. 


PROPERTIES. 

Christmas tree with ornaments, lights, etc. 
Small stepladder. Davenport, chair and footstool. 
Rugs, curtains, evergreen wreaths, holly, mistle- 
toe, etc. Cards for presents. Tam-o’-Shanter for 
New Year. Heartshaped box of candy for Valen- 
tine. Blarney Stone for St. Patrick. Cap and 
bells for April Fool. Ballet slippers for May 
Queen. Laurel wreath for June Graduate. Pistol 
for Fourth of July. Small box with powder puff 
for August Vacation. Hammock for Labor. 
Mirror for Hallowe’en. Fireless cooker for 
Thanksgiving. Crutch for Father Time. 


107 


Let’s Pretend 


Scene Plot. 


/ Christmas 

J Tree Q ^Ladder 

Window 

□ Chair 
□ Footstool 


STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of stage; C., center; L., left; 
C. in F. t center of flat running across the back of 
stage. The actor is supposed to be facing the 
audience. 



108 


A CHRISTMAS TREE JOKE. 


Scene: Christmas Day’s living room . Doors 
L. of C. in F. and down L . Window down R. 
Christmas tree with lights and ornaments R. of C. 
in F. Stepladder near hy. Folded screen against 
wall down L. Large chair and hassock down R. 
Davenport down L. Pretty rugs for floor , window 
draperies , pictures , etc. Decorations of Christ- 
mas wreaths, holly, evergreen and mistletoe. Stage 
well illuminated . 

Discovered, Christmas Day, standing hy tree, 
surrounded with various gifts. 

Christmas Day. 

{Calling.) 

Oh, Christmas Eve! 

Christmas Eve appears at door L. of C. in F. 

Christmas Eve. 

Yes? What is it, Christmas Day? 

Christmas Day. 

Can you spare me a moment? 

Christmas Eve. 

Is it important? 

Christmas Day. 

Aren’t Christmas presents always important? 

Christmas Eve. 

It depends. ( Hesitates .) 

Christmas Day. 

Depends upon what? 

Christmas Eve. 

The presents. {Comes to him.) Well? 

109 


Let's Pretend 


Christmas Day. 

Help me straighten these out. I’m late. 

Christmas Eve. 

As usual. (As she examines the gifts.) Why, 
these things aren’t even wrapped. 

Christmas Day. 

And they’re not going to be. Just hang them 
on the tree any old way. (Christmas Eve climbs 
stepladder.) Has everybody come? 

Christmas Eve. 

Everybody but Father Time. Fourth of July 
offered to give him a lift in his new Firecracker 
Six, but Father Time is scared to death of auto- 
mobiles and preferred to walk. 

Christmas Day. 

Speaking of Father Time, here’s a new crutch 
for him. (Hands her the crutch.) Hang it high. 

Christmas Eve. 

(Examining it.) 

The card — 

Christmas Day. 

The cards are all on. You’re just to help me 
put the gifts on the tree. 

Christmas Eve. 

(After hanging crutch on tree.) 

What next? 

Christmas Day. 

(Tossing cap to her.) 

A Tam-o’-Shanter for New Year. Poor kid. 
He certainly needs warm clothes. 


110 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


Christmas Eve. 

(As she hangs it.) 

A sweater would have been more appropriate, 
I’m thinking. (As she spies a package which 
Christmas Day is tying on the tree.) What’s 
that ? Christmas Day. 

A heart full of kisses for Valentine. 


Christmas Eve. 

(Sniffing.) 

Stuff and nonsense ! She’s so silly now that — 


Christmas Day. 
(Tossing up Blarney Stone.) 
Catch ! Christmas Eve. 

(Catching it.) 

What on earth is this? 


Christmas Day. 

A new Blarney Stone for St. Patrick. 
Christmas Eve. 

(Placing it on tree.) 

He needs it badly — hasn’t given me a compli- 
ment for a whole week. 


Christmas Day. 

(Holding up cap and hells.) 

What do you think of cap and bells for April 
Fool? (Hangs it.) 

Christmas Eve. 

(Disdainfully.) 

You gave him the same thing last year. Too 
suggestive. Christmas Day. 

Tie these ballet slippers where they’ll show. 
They’re for May Queen. (Holds out slippers.) 


Ill 


Let’s Pretend 


Christmas Eve. 

{Examining them.) 

Too short. How some girls do cramp their feet. 
(As she places them on tree.) Now she’ll be more 
conceited than ever over her dancing. 

Christmas Day. 

(Holding out wreath.) 

I’m downright proud of this — hunted every- 
where for it. Ch ristmas Eve. 

What is it — poison ivy? 

Christmas Day. 

It’s genuine laurel. 

Christmas Eve. 

And who in this crowd is clever enough to draw 
a laurel wreath? 

Christmas Day. 

( Placing it on tree.) 

Why, June Graduate, of course. She’s just re- 
ceived her degree. 

Christmas Eve. 

Degree! For what? (Shrugging her shoul- 
ders.) I simply can’t stand her airs and uppish- 

ness * Christmas Day. 

(Holding up pistol.) 

Tie this where New Year can’t reach it. 
Christmas Eve. 

(As she places it on tree.) 

Who’s going to shoot himself? 

Christmas Day. 

Oh, it’s for Fourth of July. He’d make a good 
soldier, and if we should ever have a war he ought 

112 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


to be prepared. ( Takes powder puff from small 
b ° x -) Christmas Eve. 

I thought maybe the powder puff was for 
Fourth of July. 

Christmas Day. 

( Replacing puff in box.) 

Whatever put that in your head? 

Christmas Eve. 

Well, the name is appropriate, even if the gift 
isn’t. Whose is it, then? 

Christmas Day. 

( Tying box on tree.) 

It’s for August Vacation. I thought it might 
be handy during the hot spell. 

Christmas Eve. 

( Spitefully .) 

Lazy thing. She’ll need it all right. Face is 
always shiny. Christmas Day. 

( Throwing hammock at foot of tree.) 

Bully hammock, isn’t it? Old Labor needs a 
chance to rest sometime and — ( takes up mirror). 
Christmas Eve. 

What a stunning mirror ! 

Christmas Day. 

Isn’t it? With this I hope Hallowe’en will be 
able to reflect the face of her future husband. 
( Ties it on tree.) 

Christmas Eve. 

Poor thing ! She’s been trying long enough. 

113 


Let’s Pretend 


Christmas Day. 

{As he pushes fireless cooker to bottom of tree.) 

Now we’ll push the fireless cooker — here. It’s 
for Thanksgiving. Poor old lady! She’s just 
worn herself out over the hot stove. 

Christmas Eve. 

{Sitting on top of ladder.) 

That’s all, isn’t it? 

Christmas Day. 

That’s all. Now I’ll be off to dress. Keep them 
out of here until I return and then we’ll distribute 
the gifts. Christmas Eve. 

I’ll try to; but do hurry back. I can manage 
the men, but the girls are beyond me. {Exit 
Christmas Day at L. of C. in F.) 

(Christmas Eve puts a few last touches to the 
tree.) 

April Fool appears at door down L. 

Christmas Eve. 

( Turning and spying him . ) 

Hello, April Fool! 

April Fool. 

Hello ! May I come in ? 

Christmas Eve. 

Not yet. You’re unexpected. 

April Fool. 

I always am. {Whistles as he sees the tree.) 
Wonder what’s coming to me? {Enters.) 

Christmas Eve. 

Guess. 


114 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


April Fool. 

( Disgustedly .) 

Cap and bells. The same old thing. Even if 
I hadn’t seen it I should have known. 

Christmas Eve. 

You get a new set each year, don’t you? 

April Fool. 

That’s what comes of having a name like mine. 
( Comes close to tree.) Care if I look? 

Christmas Eve. 

Oh, since you’re in here I don’t suppose it mat- 
ters. You’ll see the same old things for the same 
old people. April Fool. 

And hear them say the same old thing when they 
get them — “Just what I wanted !” Doesn’t it make 
you tired? Christmas Eve. 

It certainly does. I wish an earthquake would 
scatter these things, so that each present would 
go to someone it wasn’t intended for. 

April Fool. 

Let’s do it! ( Suddenl ^ 

Christmas Eve. 

Do what? 

April Fool. 

Be an earthquake. 

Christmas Eve. 

Don’t be silly. 

April Fool. 

I mean change the cards so that each one will 
get something he doesn’t expect. 

115 


Let’s Pretend 


Christmas Eve. 

Oh, I wouldn’t dare! 

April Fool. 

( Tauntingly .) 

Fraidy-cat ! ~ 

J Christmas Eve. 

Christmas Day would be furious. 

April Fool. 

What do you care? 

Christmas Eve. 

( Regretfully .) 

But it would be fun. 

April Fool. 

Oh, wouldn’t it ! ( Coaxingly .) Say you will. 

Christmas Eve. 

{Suddenly.) 

I will! (April Fool claps his hands.) But we 
must hurry. If Christmas Day should even sus- 
pect— why— April Fool . 

I’ll start with myself. {Takes card from cap 
and hells.) Off comes this card — and — let me see 
— what shall I choose? {Spying the laurel wreath.) 
The laurel wreath ! It’s the first chance I’ve ever 
had to wear a laurel wreath. {Takes card from 
wreath and places wreath on head.) 

Christmas Eve. 

And the last! Here, let’s give your cap and 
bells to June Graduate. She’ll rave! {As the con- 
versation proceeds the cards are changed as indi- 
cated. ) April Fool. 

How will the ballet slippers do for Father Time? 

116 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


Christmas Eve. 

Oh, April Fool — how dreadful! 

April Fool. 

He’ll be turning backward in his flight all right/ 
all right. (Chuckles.) 

Christmas Eve. 

And his crutch — 

April Fool. 

Shall go to May Queen. She’s always wanting 
a new partner for the dance. 

Christmas Eve. 

Valentine’s kisses shall be given to Thanksgiv- 
ing. She’s a nice old soul and won’t have her head 
turned by the attention. 

April Fool. 

And Thanksgiving’s fireless cooker will be a 
regular joy to Fourth of July. So appropriate, 

^ 0 °* Christmas Eve. 

Who’ll get Fourth of July’s pistol? 


April Fool. 

New Year. He’ll probably shoot the company 
to pieces. Christmas Eve. 

New Year’s Tam-o’-Shanter will do for St. Pat- 
rick. He’ll be downright coy in it. 


April Fool. 

And we’ll give his Blarney Stone to Valentine. 
Christmas Eve. 

Good ! Maybe it will bring her some new rhymes 
for heart — and love — and kiss — and — 


April Fool. 

Hallowe’en’s mirror can go to August Vacation. 


117 


Let’s Pretend 


Christmas Eve. 

I don’t know that I approve. She’s vain now. 

April Fool. 

Then this will be a sure cure for it. 

Christmas Eve. 

The powder puff will be the very thing for La- 
bor. I don’t know how he’s done without it all 
these years. .April Fool. 

And his hammock shall go to Hallowe’en. She 
ha;s as much use for it as a kitten for nine tails. 

Christmas Eve. 

There — it’s done ! And upon your head fall the 
consequences. ( Descends from ladder.) 

April Fool. 

They’ll be hot ones all right. ( Rushes to screen 
down L.) Here. Help me put a screen in front 
of the tree. ( Together they place a screen in front 
of the tree.) Now we’ll escape while the coast is 
clear. ( Exeunt April Fool and Christmas Eve, 
L. of C . in F.) 

Enter Valentine, June Graduate and August 
Vacation down L. 

August VacaIton. 

Good gracious — we’ve blundered into the very 
room we shouldn’t — the tree is here. 

June Graduate. 

( Languidly .) 

What difference does it make, August Vacation? 
Gifts are such a bore. ( Seats herself on daven- 
port.) 


118 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


Valentine. 

Oh, June Graduate, do you think so? I adore 
gifts. I’ve never yet had one that didn’t thrill 
me. (Sits on arm of davenport .) 

June Graduate. 

And I’ve yet to see one that could excite me 
either one way or the other, Valentine. 

Valentine. 

(Gushingly .) 

It isn’t the gift so much as the thought which 
pleases me. August Vacation. 

(Going to screen.) 

I’m dying to know what there is for me on that 
tree. Is there any harm in peeking? 

June Graduate. 

Why, none that I can see. This matter of hav- 
ing a certain time to distribute packages is foolish. 

Valentine. 

I’ll peek if you will; but we’re not supposed to 
be in here. August Vacation. 

I’ll go back of the screen and hand them out. 
(Goes hack of screen.) Why, June Graduate, you 
can’t imagine what is on the tree for you. 

June Graduate. 

(Sitting up.) 

Really ? August Vacation. 

You couldn’t guess in a thousand years. 

June Graduate. 

(Impatiently.) 

Well, what is it? Don’t keep me in suspense. 
(Rises.) 


119 


Let’s Pretend 


August Vacation. 

{Coming from behind screen with cap and bells.) 

It’s a cap and bells — a regular jester outfit — 
and on the card it says, “What four years’ study 
has brought you.” ( Goes back of screen.) 

June Graduate. 

{As she takes them.) 

How dare you read my card? {Throws card 
on floor.) And cap and bells for me — me — with 
all my brains ! ( Furiously. ) It’s a mistake — an 
insult — oh! {Sinks upon davenport.) 


Valentine. 

{Sweetly.) 

How fortunate, dear, that gifts do not excite 
you, either one way or the other. {To August 
Vacation.) Will you see what is on the tree for 


me ‘ August Vacation. 

{From behind screen.) 

This will thrill you all right. If it were thrown 
hard enough it might kill you. {Comes out with 
mirror in one hand and Blarney Stone in the 

°^ fier ') Valentine. 

{As she takes the stone.) 

This couldn't belong to me. You’ve made a 
mistake. August Vacation. 

Your name is on it. 


Valentine. 

What is the thing, anyway? 

August Vacation. 

It’s a Blarney Stone. You ought to know one 

120 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


when you see it. Aren’t you always using love and 
dove and heart and dart and blue and true and — 

Valentine. 

{Rising angrily.) 

You shall not speak to me that way. I don't 
flatter. I don't gush — if that’s what you mean. 

August Vacation. 

Then maybe this is a gentle hint for you to do 

June Graduate. 

Or to do what you do with more tact. 

Valentine. 

( Weeping.) 

I’ve never been treated so in all my life. I wish 
he’d kept his old present — I do — for I’d rather do 
without anything than to have a gift I didn’t 
want. {Crosses to chair down R. and sits with 
hack to others.) 

June Graduate. 

{Spitefully.) 

It isn’t the gift, dear, but the thought, you 
know. August Vacation. 

{Holding out mirror.) 

Look what I have! (Valentine, devoured with 
curiosity , turns her head.) Pretty, isn’t it? 
Though, of course, I should have preferred some- 
thing else. {Thoughtfully.) I wonder why Christ- 
mas Day chose this for me! 

Valentine. 

( Insinuatingly. ) 

Sometimes it’s well enough for us to see our- 
selves as others see us. 


121 


Let’s Pretend 


August Vacation. 

{Angrily.) 

Now what do you mean by that? 

Enter St. Patrick down L. 

St. Patrick. 

Faith, and ye all are a sorry lookin’ lot. And 
what’s been a-throublin’ ye? 

June Graduate. 

{Without looking around.) 

Merry Christmas, St. Patrick — that’s all. 
{Points to tree.) Run along and find what’s grow- 
ing for you on the tree. 

St. Patrick. 

Begorry, and it isn’t time. 

August Vacation. 

Oh, yes it is. We’re doing things differently 
this year. Hurry! (St. Patrick goes hack of 
screen. August Vacation stands back of dav- 
enport.) St . Patrick . 

{Behind the screen , after a moment.) 

I’ve niver seen the loike of this. {As he emerges , 
wearing the Tam-o’-Shanter.) Sure, and I’m 
feelin’ foolish in this. 

Valentine. 

{Laughing.) 

Sure and you’re looking foolish, too. 

June Graduate. 

Is Christmas Day losing his mind that he would 
wish to disfigure you like this? 

122 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


St. Patrick. 

{Bridling.) 

Well, I wouldn’t be afther say in’ that it’s dis- 
figurin . June Graduate. 

Then you’d better look in August Vacation’s 
mirror. August Vacation. 

Do you know what you are wearing? 

St. Patrick. 

Sure and isn’t it a cap? 

August Vacation. 

It’s a Tam-o’-Shanter! {Impressively.) And 
Tam-o’-Shanter was a Scotchman. 


St. Patrick. 

A Scotchman ? Nay, nay — 

August Vacation. 

There’s no nay , nay about it. He was — and 
Bobby Burns wrote a poem about it. 

St. Patrick. 

{Angrily.) 

Alack! And I niver thought I’d be puttin’ a 
Scotch hat upon me head! {Throws cap on floor 

as — ) 

Fourth of July enters down L. 


Fourth of July. 

What’s the matter, Pat? Throwing you hat ip. 
the ring? {Advances to C.) 

St. Patrick. 

It’s down with all Tam-o’-Shanters say I. 

June Graduate. 

{Motioning St. Patrick to sit hy her.) 

And down with all Christmas presents. (St. 


123 


Let’s Pretend 


Patrick sits on davenport .) Look, Fourth of 
July. {Holds up cap and bells.) See what Christ- 
mas Day has given me! 

Fourth of July. 

( Whistling. ) 

Cap and bells — and you ! Say, that’s rich. 

Valentine. 

{Holding up stone.) 

And a Blarney Stone for me! 

Fourth of July. 

Jumping Jehoshaphat! 

August Vacation. 

{Pointing to tree.) 

Why don’t you go for yours? 

Fourth of July. 

I m afraid. j UNE Graduate. 

It might be a French doll. 

Fourth of July. 

Just for that I’ll find out. {Goes behind screen.) 
Enter Hallowe’en L. of C. in F. 
Hallowe’en. 

Oh, have I interrupted? You seem to be having 
a meeting. Is it a club? 

St. Patrick. 

{Rising.) 

Faith, and we’re wishin’ it were a club. We’d be 
usin’ it on— Hallowe’en. 

{Coming to C.) 

Each other, judging by your expressions. 

124 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


June Graduate. 

{Crossly,) 

Don’t try to be funny, Hallowe’en. 

Hallowe’en. 

{Sitting on arm of davenport.) 

What’s back there? {Points to tree. St. Pat- 
rick sits again on davenport.) 

Valentine. 

{Sweetly.) 

Christmas spirit — lot’s of it! 

Fourth of July. 

{From behind screen.) 

’Tain’t so — it’s Fourth of July! 

Hallowe’en. 

What are you doing? 

Fourth of July. 

{From behind screen.) 

Playing with a fireless cooker. 

August Vacation. 

{Crossing and peeping behind screen.) 
Well, it’s the first time you’ve ever played with 
anything fireless. {Stands back of Valentine.) 
Hallowe’en. 

( Puzzled. ) 

Hasn’t lost his mind, has he? 

Fourth of July. 

{From behind screen.) 

No — only his perfectly good disposition. 
Valentine. 

It’s the Christmas tree, dear, and we’re getting 
the loveliest presents. 


125 


Let’s Pretend 


Hallowe’en. 

Oh, are we? {To Fourth of July.) Pass mine 
out while you’re there, July. 

Fourth of July. 

{Coming from behind screen.) 

It’s just what you need — a hammock. {As Hal- 
lowe’en rises he throws hammock about her shoul- 

d ers -) Hallowe’en. 

But I don’t want a hammock! 


June Graduate. 

{In affected surprise.) 

Oh, don’t you? We’re just crazy over our 
things. Hallowe’en. 

Whoever heard of Hallowe’en lying quiet in a 


hammock ? 


Valentine. 


Maybe it’s to hold the black cats and the witches. 
Hallowe’en. 

{Disgustedly.) 

No self-respecting black cat would be found in 
it. And if the witches saw me there, they’d beat 
me with broomsticks. 

Fourth of July. 

What does Christmas Day mean by making 

laughing stocks of us? {Sarcastically.) Fireless 

cooker indeed! I’ll roast him! {Walks to window 

and gazes out.) 0 ^ 

& ' St. Patrick. 

{Plaintively.) 

Faith, and I niver thought I’d be havin’ a Scotch 
hat upon me head! 

Enter May Queen and Labor down L . 


126 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


May Queen. 

(As she enters.) 

Then, shall I save the third dance for you, La- 
bor? ( Advances to C.) 


Labor. 

It’s good of you, May Queen, to save any dance 
for me. Fourth of July. 

( Hurrying to them.) 

Look here, May Queen, don’t forget the ones 
you promised me. 


St. Patrick. 

( Rising and joining them.) 

Sure, and I’m a-wantin’ me own name on your 

* Valentine. 

{To August Vacation.) 

What anybody sees in her , I don’t know. Sim- 
pering thing. All she can do is dance. ( Hallow- 
e’en crosses to window.) 


June Graduate. 

( Composedly .) 

I’m glad my brains aren’t in my feet. 

August Vacation. 

{Crossing and sitting hy June Graduate.) 
Where do you keep yours? 

May Queen. 

{Looking around.) 

Oh, everybody has a present. I didn’t know 
they’d been given out. 

Hallowe’en. 

They haven’t. They’ve been taken. {Points to 
tree.) Help yourself. 


m 


Let’s Pretend 


Labor. 

(As May Queen starts .) 

I’ll go with you. 

(They go behind screen. After a moment of si- 
lence May Queen screams. St. Patrick tiptoes 
to screen and peeps behind.) 

St. Patrick. 

(Turning and whispering to others.) 

She has a crutch — a crutch! (Bends over with 
laughter.) Labor. 

( Angrily , behind screen .) 

I’ll get even with him for this! 

St. Patrick. 

(Peeping, then turning to others.) 

He has a powder puff. (Laughingly.) A pow- 
der puff! May Queen. 

(Emerging with crutch.) 

Oh, who could be so cruel as to give me a crutch 
— me, the best dancer in our set ! (Labor follows.) 
June Graduate. 

(Sarcastically.) 

Perhaps it’s to correct your steps, my dear. 
Hallowe’en. 

Or to make you sure of at least one partner. 
May Queen. 

(Spitefully.) 

In that case I’ll lend it to you. You need it 
more than I. Labor. 

(Holding powder puff at arm's length.) 

Is there anything ladylike about me? Have I 
done anything to deserve this — this — (hesitates) 

128 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


Valentine. 

Powder puff, Labor! It’s very good looking. 
Labor. 

What would I do with such a thing? 

Fourth of July. 

It’s a pity that Christmas Day didn’t ask him- 
self that question before he wished this stuff on us. 
August Vacation. 

A powder puff will be lovely to cool your fevered 

brow, Labor. T ~ 

June Graduate. 

Or to ease the sweat of toil. 


Labor. 

Do you think I intend to stand this? 

Fourth of July. 

{Motioning to davenport .) 

Sit down, then. We’ve all been in this surprise 
party. Look ! {All hold up their gifts.) 

Labor. 

{Angrily.) 

And you mean to accept these things without a 
protest? August Vacation. 

We might trade. I see several things which I’d 
rather have than this mirror. That powder puff, 
for instance — and the hammock. 

Labor. 

{Sternly.) 

We won’t trade. We’ll make him take them 
k ac k' May Queen. 

People don’t do that with Christmas gifts, do 
they ? 


129 


Let’s Pretend 


Labor. 

If they did there would be fewer mistakes. 
Fourth of July. 

( Chuckling .) 

And fewer presents. 

Labor. 

{Dramatically.) 

Where is Christmas Day? 

St. Patrick. 

It’s dressin’ up that he is. 

Labor. 

And it’s dressing down that he needs. Who’ll 
go with me? All. 

I! ( All exeunt L . of C . in F., headed by Labor, 
and talking excitedly.) 

Enter Father Time, Thanksgiving and New 
Year by the same door. 

Thanksgiving. 

{Looking after them.) 

Dear me, Father Time, what can be the matter? 
Father Time. 

{Limping.) 

Young folks are so careless, Thanksgiving. 
That harum-scarum Fourth of July almost tripped 

me U P‘ New Year. 

I want to go, too ! I want to go, too ! 
Thanksgiving. 

Sh! New Year. Little boys should be seen and 
not heard. 

St. Patrick reappears at L. of C. in F . 

130 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


St. Patrick. 

Ye’ll be findin’ the presents back o’ the screen. 
Good luck to ye. ( Exit .) 

Father Time. 

( Querulously . ) 

Now what can Patrick be meaning? ( As he spies 
the tree.) Oh, the Christmas Tree. We must be 

late * Thanksgiving. 

Surely not. But anyway they would leave our 
presents for us. ( Pushes Father Time into 
chair.) Now, you jest set still, Father Time, on 
account of your rheumatiz, and I’ll go fetch the 
bundles here. New Year . 

( Jumping up and down.) 

I want to go, too ! 

Thanksgiving. 

{Severely.) 

New Year, you can’t do ev’ry thing that grown- 
up folks do. New Year. 

I want to be grown-up folks, too. 

Thanksgiving. 

Don’t you worry ’bout that, New Year. You’ll 
be grown-up ’fore you know it. ( Goes hack of 
screen.) Father Time. 

{Pushing New Year on footstool.) 

Now set right still and Thanksgiving will fetch 
you a present. (New Year sits down unwillingly.) 
Thanksgiving. 

{Emerging with ballet slippers and box of candy.) 
Here’s some new-fangled bedroom slippers for 

131 


Let’s Pretend 


you, Father Time. Ain’t Christmas Day mistook 
your size? Father Time- 

{Taking them.) 

Well, now, ain’t they pretty; and ’twas real 
good to remember the old man with something so 
useful and practical. ( Tries to put them on.) 
They do seem to bind. 

Thanksgiving. 

( Anxiously .) 

Maybe you can have them changed for a size 
larger. Father Time. 

{Eagerly.) 

What did you get, Thanksgiving? 

Thanksgiving. 

{Sitting on davenport.) 

I reckon you’d never guess. A box full of candy, 
jest like the ones the girls get. Land sakes! I’m 
real skittish about it. Christmas Day always 
knows what’s what for folks. 

New Year. 

Where’s my present? 

Thanksgiving. 

Gracious goodness! I clean forgot to look for 
it, New Year. You run back and fetch it for 
yourself. (New Year goes hack of screen.) 

Now, Father Time, we’ll open this box of candy 
and have a real nice cozy time ’fore the others 
come back. 

New Year enters , shooting pistol. 

132 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


Thanksgiving. 

( Jumping up.) 

New Year! Put down that pistol. 

New Year. 

It’s my present. (Fires.) 

Father Time. 

( Hopping up.) 

Look here, sonny, don’t you dare point that at 
me. ( Gets behind chair.) 

Enter Christmas Day and all the others L. of 
C. in F. Christmas Day strides to C. and the oth- 
ers crowd around the doorway. 

Christmas Day. 

What’s all this? (New Year fires again to 
everyone's consternation.) Where did you get 
that pistol? ( Tries to catch him.) 

New Year. 

(Escaping.) 

On the Christmas Tree. It’s my present and I 
won’t give it up. 

Christmas Day. 

Stand around — all of you. (They form semi- 
circle around him.) Now, somebody here has been 
playing a trick, for the cards on the presents have 
been changed. When Christmas Eve and I ar- 
ranged them — (Suddenly looks around.) By the 
way, where is Christmas Eve? 

Enter Christmas Eve and April Fool down L. 

Christmas Eve. 

(Standing back of davenport.) 

Here! (April Fool joins her.) 

133 


Let’s Pretend 


Christmas Day. 

And April Fool’s* with you. I begin to under- 
stand. Look here, both of you. Who changed 
those cards? ApRIL FooL . 

7did! Christmas Eve. 

And I helped him. We thought it would be a 


lark. 


Christmas Day. 
( Grimly. ) 


It was — a lark! 

Christmas Eye. 

And then you mean old things couldn’t wait, and 
spoiled everything by snooping around ahead of 

^ ime * Christmas Day. 

{Sternly.) 

April Fool, take off that laurel wreath and give 
it to June Graduate. 


April Fool. 

( Tossing wreath to June Graduate.) 

You bet I will. I’ve had enough of it. (As June 
Graduate throws him cap and bells.) Gee, but 
my old cap and bells are good enough for me. 

Christmas Day. 

Christmas Eve, take that crutch to Father Time 
and give the ballet slippers to May Queen. (She 
obeys. Father Time sinks into the chair again 
and May Queen perches on the arm of it.) Labor, 
here’s your hammock. (Takes hammock from 
Hallowe’en’s shoulders and throws it to Labor.) 
The powder puff belongs to August Vacation. 

134 


A Christmas Tree Joke 


August Vacation. 

(As Labor hands the powder puff.) 

But I like the mirror, too. 

Christmas Day. 

So will Hallowe’en. It’s hers. (Hallowe’en 
snatches mirror and rushes off. ) April Fool, bring 
Thanksgiving’s fireless cooker to her. (April 
Fool darts behind screen and rolls out the fireless 
cooker.) Thanksgiving. 

(Protestingly.) 

But I like the candy, too. 

Valentine. 

(Clasping hands.) 

Oh, is the candy mine? (Christmas Day nods.) 
Oh, I knew it! (Takes box from Thanksgiving.) 
Now, where does the Blarney Stone go? 

St. Patrick. 

(Taking stone.) 

Faith, and it’s here, I’m a-thinkin’. (Kisses it.) 

A swate, pretty creathure like yeself wouldn’t be 

afther needin’ it. , r 

Valentine. 

(Laughing.) 

It’s beginning to work! 

(New Year fires pistol again.) 

Christmas Day. 

(Leading him to Fourth of July.) 

Give that pistol to Fourth of July. 

New Year. 

But it’s my present. (Fourth of July snatches 
pistol.) 


135 


Let’s Pretend 


Christmas Day. 

No, it isn’t. St. Patrick has on your cap. Run 
and get it. (New Year obeys.) Now, is every- 
thing all right? ( To all.) Are the presents satis- 
factory ? Ali, 

Just what we wanted! 


Curtain. 


136 


“IF DONT-BELIEVE IS CHANGED 
INTO BELIEVE.” 



ROCKtfBY LADY 


138 



“IP 

pON¥»BELIE¥E 

IS CHANGED. 
WTO 

BELIEVE’ 

»4j- 




CHARACTERS. 


The Child. 

Don’t-Believe. 

Believe. 

Santa Claus. 
Jack Frost. 
Rainbow Fairies 
{seven). 


Pixies {seven). 
Gnomes {five). 
Goblins {five). 
Fireflies {five) 
Rockaby Lady. 
Sandman. 


Scene — A Woodland. 


Time of Playing — About Thirty Minutes. 


STORY OF THE PLAY. 

The child, happy in her own little world, which 
is peopled by the characters of imagination and 
tradition, is suddenly beset by the spirit of Don’t- 
Believe, who endeavors to shake her faith in these 
familiar and much-loved companions. The spirit 
Believe comes to the rescue, waves her magic scep- 

139 


Let’s Pretend 


ter, and brings to the very presence of the eager 
child a long train of those who have entrenched 
themselves in her affection. 


COSTUMES. 

The Child — Dainty white dress. 

Don’t-Believe — Boy’s suit covered by loose, 
flowing black gown. 

Believe — Loose, flowing white gown, golden 
scepter. 

Santa Claus — Conventional Santa Claus suit. 

Jack Frost — White cotton batting suit and 
cap, spangled. 

Rainbow Fairies — Fluffy white dresses, each 
with a scarf of one color of the rainbow. Gauze 
wings, slippers and stockings to match scarf. 

Pixies — Small boys. White suits, gauze wings 
(very small). 

Gnomes — Overalls, dark shirts, slouch hats, 
shovels, picks and lanterns. 

Goblins — Black suits with long trousers and 
loose coats. Tall, peaked hats. They carry jack- 
o’-lanterns. 

Fireflies — Black tarlatan dresses, black wings, 
black slippers and stockings. They carry electric 
flashlights. 

Rockaby Lady — Long, loose white gown, fes- 
tooned with poppies. Wreath of poppies. Car- 
ries poppies. 

Sandman — Long brown trousers, brown coat, 
tall hat. Carries bag. 


140 


“If Don’t-Believe is Changed Into Believe” 


PROPERTIES. 


Shrubbery, greenery, etc. Rustic bench. Book 
for Child. Scepter for Believe. Watch for Jack 
Frost. Bill-of-fare for Fourth Pixy. Book for 
Seventh Pixy. Shovels, picks, lanterns, etc., for 
Gnomes. Jack-o’-lanterns for Goblins. Flash- 
lights for Fireflies. Poppies for Rockaby Lady. 
Bag filled with confetti for Sandman. 


Scene Plot. 




Woodland Drop 


STAGE DIRECTIONS. 


R. means right of the stage; C., center; R. V . 
E., right upper entrance ; L., left, etc. The actor is 
supposed to be facing the audience. 


141 


















































































































. I . 












































« 









































r 






























































































































































































































































“IF DON’T-BELIEVE IS CHANGED INTO 


BELIEVE.” 

Scene : A woodland. Entrances R. U. E. and 
L. U. E. Shrubbery , greenery , flowers, etc., at 
back and sides of stage. Rustic bench down L. 

At rise of curtain , the Child is seated upon the 
bench, reading. The stage is well illuminated since 

it is afternoon. _ 

Child. 

{Reading.) 

The Man-in-the-Moon gaily whistled a tune 
As he winked a most mischievous eye. 

“’Tis the hour,” said he, “when all children 
should be 

In the land that is called Hushaby. 

The Sandman is back — he opens his pack — 

And the Rockaby Lady’s at hand 

With poppies so red. Down droops ev’ry head ; 

All aboard for the Hushaby Land!” 

The Man-in-the-Moon gaily whistled a tune, 

“’Tis time for the fairies,” said he; 

“The frolicking pixies, the rollicking nixies 
May dance in their elfin glee, 

May shout and sing in their fairy ring 
’Neath my glimmering, shimmering light, 

Till each goblin and gnome from his underground 
home 

Will be drawn to the circle bright.” 

The Man-in-the-Moon gaily whistled a tune, 

“The heart of a child,” said he, 

“Is a garden fair, and in beauty there 

143 


Let’s Pretend 


The blossom of Faith we see ; 

But the blossom will dry and will wither and die 
If the thistle of Doubt be sown. 

And for childish grief of an unbelief 
No knowledge can e’er atone.” 

As the Child begins to read , Don’t-Believe 
enters at L. U. E. and steals up quietly behind her. 
As she finishes the poem the Child closes the booh 
and gazes thoughtfully before her. Don’t-Be- 
lieve creeps closer. 

Don’t-Believe. 

The Man-in-the-Moon ! Is he really so ? 

These fairies and gnomes! Do you really know? 

(Child rises , turns and faces him.) 

The Rockaby Lady — the Sandman, too — 

Do you think they are really, truly true? 

Child. 

( Walking toward R.) 

Why have you come? {Turns.) Who are 

^° U ‘ Don’t-Believe. 

{Bowing.) 

By your leave, 

I’ll call myself the spirit, Don’t-Believe! 

Child. 

I do not understand you. Go your way — 

Your words are strange — {As Don’t-Believe 
makes a low bow and starts to leave) 

Yet wait a moment. Stay. 
(Don’t-Believe turns and takes a few steps 
toward her.) 


144 


“If Don’t-Believe is Changed Into Believe” 


What do you mean by “Is he really so?” 

Why should you ask me “Do you really know?” 
Don’t-Believe. 

Because, whene’er I touch the eyes of youth, 
They open wide to wisdom and to truth. 

Child. 

( Shrinking from him.) 

You shall not touch my eyes. I do not care 
To see your truth; your wisdom I’ll not share. 
Don’t-Believe. 

( Whispering as he comes nearer . ) 

There is no Moon-Man — he winks no eye — 

He whistles no tune ’way up in the sky! 

Child. 

You mock me — you are trying to deceive! 
Don’t-Believe. 

( Mockingly .) 

I am the spirit men call Don’t-Believe! 

Child. 

( Turning her hack.) 

You shall not tell me more — I will not hear. 
Don’t-Believe. 

( Creeping up behind her.) 

You think that Christmas brings old Santa near, 
That pixies, fairies, gnomes and all their train 
Are round about. ( Snaps his fingers.) Mere 
phantoms of the brain! 

Child. 

( Turning and clasping her hands beseechingly.) 
The Sandman and the Lady Rockaby? 

145 


Let’s Pretend 


Don’t-Believe. 

{Laughing.) 

You’ll find there are no such people if you try. 
Child. 

If ev’rything is false — if nothing’s true — 

How can you think that we’ll believe in you? 
Don’t-Believe. 

(As he comes toward front of stage.) 

I am the spirit sought by ev’ryone; 

All listen ere my tale is half begun. 

The present age my messages receive, 

I am the spirit men call Don’t-Believe! 

(As he crosses to L. stage suddenly grows dark.) 
Child. 

(In fright.) 

What’s happened? I’m afraid. Give me your 
hand. 

This dreadful dark I cannot understand. 

Where are you, Don’t-Believe? 

Stage grows light , revealing Believe standing 
in Don’t-Believe’s place. 

Child. 

Why are you here? 
I’m frightened — very frightened. 

Believe. 

(As she comes slowly toward Child.) 

Do not fear, 

For I come from the Land of Children’s Faith 
Where the sky is a rainbow gleam, 

Where the clouds are isles of happy smiles, 

Where life is a summer dream; 

146 


“If Don’t-Believe is Changed Into Believe” 


Where each secret dale is a magic trail, 

Where the river’s a silver mist, 

Where each tiny flow’r is a fairy’s bower 
By the sun and the breezes kissed. 

Where Trust is king — where the fairies bring 
Their gift of eternal youth, 

Where each girl and boy finds the Fount of Joy 
In the heart of the Vale of Truth! 

Child. 

( W onderingly.) 

Where’s Don’t-Believe? (As she looks around .) 

I hope he’s gone away. 

Believe. 

Where I am, Don’t-Believe can never stay. 

Child. 

(Touching her.) 

Then, who are you? I wish you’d never leave. 
Believe. 

I am the spirit whom men call Believe! 

Child. 

I like your words. (Slipsherhand into Believe’s.) 

I want to be with you. 

And, tell me, pretty spirit, tell me true, 

Is there a Santa Claus? A fairyland? 

Is there a Sandman? and a pixy band? 

Believe. 

Ah, Don’t-Believe has left the shade of doubt — 
See ( draws circle)— here’s a fairy ring! We’ll 
crowd him out ! 

Child. 

But answer, first, my questions. Quick, I pray 

147 


Let’s Pretend 


Believe. 

Then watch me closely; list to what I say. 
{Impressively.) 

If I but wave my sceptre thrice — straightway 
A miracle will happen. You’ll perceive 
The power of the spirit called Believe. 

Child. 

(Eagerly.) 

You mean — I’ll see them? really, truly see? 
Believe. 

Yes — really. Now, who shall the first one be? 
Child. 

( Jumping up and down.) 

Dear Santa Claus ! The first of all the throng ! 
Believe. 

{Waving her sceptre.) 

Come Santa Claus — and bring Jack Frost along! 

Auto horn sounds off stage. Enter Santa 
Claus and Jack Frost at L. U. E. 

Santa Claus. 

{Coming to C.) 

What speed, Jack Frost? 

Jack Frost. 

{Looking at watch.) 

Five seconds, Santa Claus. 

Santa Claus. 

We sure have busted all those speeding laws. 

Since first we bought this peerless Reindeer Six. 
Jack Frost. 

{Coming to Santa Claus’ side.) 

It certainly has played us many tricks. 

148 


“If Don’t-Believe is Changed Into Believe” 


Santa Claus. 

(To Believe.) 

Look here, young lady, why this sudden call? 
Jack Frost. 

You took us straightway from the banquet hall. 
Believe. 

Well — Don’t-Believe has been here. 

Santa Claus. 

(Stroking his beard.) 

Oh, I see — 

So he’s been telling certain tales on me. 

Child. 

He laughed at fairies, pixies and their train, 

He said you were (snapping her fingers) a phan- 
tom of the brain! 

Santa Claus. 

(Laughing.) 

A phantom of the brain — well, that is queer. 

I’ll prove he’s wrong. (Turns to Child.) Just 
come and pinch me (stretching out arm) 
here! (Child pinches his arm.) 

I feel quite solid, don’t I? 

Child. 

(Clapping hands.) 

Oh, I’m glad, 

The loss of you would make me very sad. 

Santa Claus. 

One thing remember, little maid, when men 
Shall speak against me and shall speak again, 
That Santa Claus will ever reign apart 
O’er ev’ry loving, trusting childish heart. 

149 


Let’s Pretend 


Jack Frost. 

So Santa Claus, you see, cannot be lost (bowing), 
And neither can your humble friend, Jack Frost! 

Child. 

( Coming close to him.) 

Oh Jack Frost, do you really tweak my nose? 
And really pinch my fingers and my toes? 

Jack Frost. 

Indeed I do — and like to make you squeal. 

If you can’t see me, I can make you feel! 

Child. 

And do you paint the window lacery? 

Jack Frost. 

Oh yes — and all the landscape tracery. 

Icicles made to order, any size! 

And diamond drops to dazzle people’s eyes ! 

I even made a veil for Mrs. Claus — 

Santa Claus. 

It was a shiny thing of sparkly gauze ! 

Jack Frost. 

(Looking at watch.) 

Come, Santa, we must rush back to the city. 

You know you are to meet the Toy Committee. 
(Starts toward R. U. E.) 

Santa Claus. 

(Starting off.) 

Why bless my soul, I had forgotten, quite — (stops 
and turns to Child) 

I hope that I’ve made ev’rything all right. 

And that you know I’m really, truly true — 

150 


“If Don’t-Believe is Changed Into Believe’* 


Oh Santa Claus, 
sounds.) 


Child. 

{Joyfully.) 

I do, I do, I 


do! {Auto horn 


Jack Frost. 

{AtR. U. E.) 

Come now, the chauffeur’s horn we must be heeding 
Or else we all will be run in for speeding. 

(Santa Claus hurries to Jack Frost. Exeunt. 
Child follows and looks off stage after them.) 
Believe. 

Next, after dear old Santa Claus, I’ll call 
The Rainbow fairies to you — one and all. 

Child comes down R. Believe moves to C. 
and waves her sceptre. As her name is called , each 
fairy enters L. U. E. They form a circle around 
Believe. Believe. 

Violet Wing! Sapphire Spark! Azure Flash! 
Emerald Gleam! Sunny Lock! Golden Glow! 
Rose Leaf! (Believe breaks through circle and 
moves to side of Child down R.) 

Now, tell me, my elves of the rainbow way, 

What have you been doing the livelong day? 

{As each fairy speaks she comes forward , curt- 
seys before Believe, then withdraws to back of 
stage , Violet Wing standing nearest R. U. E.) 
Violet Wing. 

I have cheered a weary one till she smiled. 

Sapphire Spark. 

I have wafted a flower to a little child. 

Azure Flash. 

I have banished a dark and evil thought. 

151 


Let’s Pretend 


Emerald Gleam. 

A cooling breeze to the sick I’ve brought. 

Sunny Lock. 

I have strengthened a heart that is brave and true. 
Golden Glow. 

I’ve whispered a beautiful thing to do. 

Rose Leaf. 

My message into a good deed grew! 

( The last fairy joins the other six who are 
standing at hack of stage . They face R. U. E., 
point off stage , and say together.) 

Rainbow Fairies. 

The gleam of the rainbow we circle ’round, 

The pot of gold at the end we’ve found. 

And the gold, we know, 

Is the happy glow 

Of our helpful deeds in the world below! ( They 
face audience.) 

Believe. 

{Advancing to C. and waving sceptre.) 

Come hither, hither, busy Pixy Band — 

Come join the Rainbow elves from Fairyland! 

Enter Pixies, marching sedately , one behind the 
other. They stand at either side of Believe. 
Believe. 

And show this eager little mortal maid {points to 
Child at R.) 

How Fairyland depends on Pixy aid ! 

{As each Pixy speaks , he steps forward and 
hows before Child, then takes his place in a long 
line hack of her , the first Pixy standing nearest 
the audience.) 


152 


“If Don’t-Believe is Changed Into Believe” 


First Pixy. 

I nurse the baby roses through the night — 

Unless I did, they’d simply die of fright. 

Second Pixy. 

I put the shiny star dust on each star — 

Else you could never see it from afar. 

Third Pixy. 

I oversee and manage for each fairy 
The Cowslip, Buttercup and Milkweed Dairy ! 
Fourth Pixy. 

My magic brush and paint of every hue 
Can make the faded flowers as good as new. 

Fifth Pixy. 

Behold the chef of Fairyland! With care 
I’ll read to you my latest bill of fare! (Reads.) 
Breakfast — Strawberries and dew. 

Luncheon — Mushrooms — honey too. 

Dinner — Cakes of flower dust. 

Also — bits of violet crust. 

Sixth Pixy. 

New life to drooping flowers, my herb roots bring, 
I bind each broken stem, each wounded wing. 
Seventh Pixy. 

I teach the fairies all their magic words, 

The tales on flower leaves — the songs of birds. 
And if you care to hear, the Rainbow elves 
Will answer all my questions by themselves. 

(Child nods assent. As he calls each name the 
fairy comes forward , curtseys , answers her ques- 
tion and returns to her place in line.) 

(Calls.) 


Violet Wing! 


153 


Let’s Pretend 


( Opens book and reads.) 

If a rose put forth two leaves each hour, from 
morning star to sunset glow, how many leaves 
will there be? Violet Wing. 

Twenty-four, sir. 


Seventh Pixy. 

Sapphire Spark! Trace the River of Dreams. 
Sapphire Spark. 

The River of Dreams rises in Sleepy State, flows 
south through Poppy Land and empties into the 
Gulf of Morning Light. 


Seventh Pixy. 

Azure Flash ! Where is the Land of Heart’s 


Desire ? 


Azure Flash. 


In the Continent of Every Day. 


Seventh Pixy. 

Emerald Gleam ! Bound Fairyland. 


Emerald Gleam. 

Fairyland is bounded on the north by the Do- 
minion of Imagination ; on the east by the River 
of Never-Grow-Old ; on the south by the Hill of 
Magic; on the west by the Star of Hope. 


Seventh Pixy. 

Sunny Lock! Who are the enemies of Fairy- 

land? Sunny Lock. 

The giant, Matter-of-Fact; the dragon, Grown- 
up ; and the spirit, Don’t-Believe. 

Seventh Pixy. 

Golden Glow! When was Fairyland founded? 


154 


“If Don’t-Believe is Changed Into Believe” 


Golden Glow. 

In the beginning of Time. 

Seventh Pixy. 

Rose Leaf! What is the elfin password? 

Rose Leaf. 

Believe! (Seventh Pixy joins his companions 
hack of Child. Music sounds off stage.) 

Pixies. 

( Turning toward fairies .) 

What is that sound? 

Fairies. 

The wind harp’s silver chime. 

Pixies. 

A measure let us tread to fairy time ! 

(Believe crosses to L. The pixies advance and 
stand before the fairies , backs to audience.. Each 
pixy bows , each fairy curtseys and they engage 
in a simple little dance , going off R. U. E ., two 
by two.) Believe. 

(Waving sceptre.) 

Now listen. Can you hear a muffled sound? 

The gnomes are climbing up from under ground. 

Child rushes to L. U. E. and peers off stage , 
then backs toward R. U. E. and gnomes enter , 
one by one , in line , humped over and carrying 
lanterns , picks or shovels. They stand in line , 
near back of stage , put down their lanterns and 
drop their shovels. 

First Gnome. 

(Turning to Believe.) 

Why do you summon us and blind my band 
With all the brightness of this upper land? 

155 


Let’s Pretend 


Believe. 

{Pointing to Child.) 

Because this little maid must know the worth 
Of what is done by elves below the earth. 

(Child advances and stands by first gnome , 
looking curiously at him.) 

First Gnome. 

{To Child.) 

I have the little flower seeds to tend and keep. 
(Child moves to next gnome.) 

Second Gnome. 

I cover roots through all their winter sleep. 

( Child moves to third gnome. ) 

Third Gnome. 

I watch the fire that warms the frozen ground. 

( Child moves to fourth gnome. ) 

Fourth Gnome. 

I treasure ev’ry water drop that’s found. 

(Child moves to fifth gnome.) 

Fifth Gnome. 

And I guard jewels — emeralds of youth — 

Ruby of Ambition — gem of Truth. 

Diamond of Power, and, undefiled, 

A shining pearl, the emblem of a child. 

First Gnome. 

{Stepping out before them , back to audience.) 

® ne ' Gnomes. 

{Wheeling toward R.) 

We cannot stand this tiresome summer heat. 

First Gnome. 

Two! 


156 


“If Don’t-Believe is Changed Into Believe” 


Gnomes. 

{Shouldering picks and shovels.) 

Our Pick and Shovel Baggage is complete. 

First Gnome. 

Three! Gnomes. 

{Picking up lanterns .) 

We’ll all be marching back to Gnomes’ Retreat! 

{Exeunt R. U. E ., First Gnome bringing up 
the rear. Child comes slowly to C . Stage grows 
darker.) Believe. 

( Waving sceptre and moving back of bench.) 
Goblins! Fireflies! Come, it’s almost dark. 

Light the blackness by a fairy spark ! 

Enter Goblins L. U . E. and circle about Child. 


First Goblin. 

You’ve heard of me. I’m called “I told you so!” 
Second Goblin. 

My name, if you should ask, is “I don’t know.” 
Third Goblin. 

I’m always ’round. You know me as “I can’t.” 
Fourth Goblin. 

And I am a dreadful goblin. I’m “I shan’t.” 
Fifth Goblin. 

And ev’rybody finds me ev’rywhere. 

I’ll whisper you my name. {Whispers.) ’Tis 
“I don’t care !” 

{They seize the Child and drag her to front of 
stage.) Goblins. 

For we are just the goblins you meet with ev’ry 
day, 


157 


Let’s Pretend 


And we see the things you’re doing and we hear 
the things you say; 

We love to be around you when you pout and 
frown and cry; 

We scamper when we hear you say, “I’d love to” 
and “I’ll try.” 

So if you really like us and keep wanting us about 
Some day we’ll surely get you — if you — don’t — 
watch — out ! 

Enter Fireflies. As they rush toward the 
Child the Goblins scamper to back of stage. 

First Firefly. 

( Taking Child’s left hand.) 

I’m the good little deed you did one day. 

Second Firefly. 

( Taking Child’s right hand.) 

I’m the kind little word you often say. 

Third Firefly. 

{Peeping over Child’s left shoulder.) 

I’m your smile that is happy and bright and gay. 
Fourth Firefly. 

{Peeping over Child’s right shoulder.) 

I’m the generous thought you sent away. 

Fifth Firefly. 

{In front of Child.) 

I’m the prayer that deep in your heart once lay. 

Fireflies. 

{Flashing lights.) 

And so we fireflies glow, with wings unfurled, 

The good deeds in a naughty, naughty world. 

158 


“If Don’t-Believe is Changed Into Believe” 


( The Fireflies join the Goblins. Two hy two 
they circle the stage in fancy step and go off at 

R ■ U ■ Child. 

( Following them and waving hand.) 
Good-bye! Good-bye! (To Believe.) I hate to 
see them leave ; 

And yet I’m very weary, dear Believe. 

( She turns and comes toward Believe. Stage 
grows light.) 


Enter Rockaby Lady L. U. E. She comes up 
softly behind Child. 

Believe. 

{Pointing.) 

Hush! Look! (Child turns.) 


Rockaby Lady. 

{Taking Child’s hand.) 

The Rockaby Lady is near; 

She’s creeping and stealing to you, my dear. 

Her poppies she’s bringing, 

To each one is clinging 

A sweet little dream that to you comes a-winging. 
{Leads Child to bench.) 

So — rest — (C hild sinks drowsily on bench) for 
the Rockaby Lady is near. 

She’s creeping and stealing to you, my dear ! 

Enter Sandman L . U. E. He comes softly to 
the bench where the Child lies. 


Sandman. 

{Opening bag.) 

Now wait till the Sandman throws — this — in her 
eyes. {Throws sand.) 

159 


Let's Pretend 


’Tis the sleep sand and dream dust of Shuteye 
Surprise ; 

And the glistening glimmer 
Will sparkle and shimmer 
Till daylight and sunshine grow dimmer and 
dimmer. 

( The Child falls asleep. Rockaby Lady, Sand- 
man and Believe leave her , one hy one. After the 
stage has been clear for a few moments , she awak- 
ens, rubs her eyes and looks around. ) 

Child. 

I am alone. Where is the fairy band? 

Where is Believe? I cannot understand. 

(She suddenly rises , rushes to front of stage 
and addresses audience.) 

Do you believe in fairies? ( Clapping her hands 
after a few moments.) Oh, you do! 

And do you know that Santa Claus is true? 

Then help me call them back ; they’ll never leave 
If Don’t-Believe is changed into Believe! 

She runs to R. U. E ., beckons , and two by two 
all the characters enter, circle the stage and exeunt. 

Curtain. 


160 


Standard and Amateur 
Plays 

Our list of plays comprises hundreds of 
titles ; dramas, comedies, farces, vaudeville 
sketches, monologues, entertainments, etc. All 
shades of sentiment are represented, all varie- 
ties of talent, number of characters and time 
required in presentation are provided for in 
this list. 


Popular Entertainment 
Books 

Under this heading are found books touch- 
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most complete entertainment series published. 

Paper Binding Only. Price, 25 Cents Each 
Send for Complete Descriptive Catalogue 

T. S. Denison & Company, Publishers 

154 West Randolph Street CHICAGO 



The Commencement 


Manual 


By EDITH F. A. U. PAINTON 


370 Pages of Plans, Helps, 
Suggestions 

CREDITABLE and successful 



1 V. Commencement is assured if this 
book is consulted. Every angle of the 
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Commencement wealth. 

CONTENTS: Salutatories (16); Valedictories (12); 
Histories (7 entirely new forms); Prophecies (8 
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forms); Class Drill, Cartoon; Class Songs (4); Class 
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and Latin); Suggested Mottoes (107); Class Plays 
(4); Suggestions for Novel Programs, Class Trial, 
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— Last Edition, Debate, Reunion, Convention, 
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Baccalaureate Sermons (4). 

Beautiful cloth binding, gold lettering, 
clear attractive type, illustrated, 370 


Price, $1.25 


pages, 


T. S. Denison & Company, Publishers 


154 West Randolph Street 


CHICAGO 


In the College Days 

A Group of Monologues 

By LINDSEY BARBEE 

M ISS BARBEE’S college plays 
have met with great success and 
for the past few years she has been 
editor of The Crescent , the national 
organ of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. 
These twenty monologues reflect her 
intimate knowledge of college life and 
though written for college folks, yet 
have a general appeal. 

Contents: Before the Curtain Goes Up; The Maids 
of Yesterday; After the Wedding - ; At the Game; 
Molly Receives; The Joys of Rushing; Concerning 
Exams; The Freshman Speaks Extemporaneously; 
Five Minutes Before the Bell; After Ten* Years; 
At the Glee Club Concert; On the Side Lines; At 
Sunset; Between Dances; Was It Worth While?; 
In the Gypsy Camp; The Freshman Gibbers; Every 
Lassie Has Her Laddie; Memory’s Book; After the 
Curtain Goes Down. 

College is a little world within itself — it has its 
own traditions, institutions and types, each of 
which is dear to the one who has roamed the 
campus. College spirit never dies; years may come 
and go but the glamour of those happy days never 
leaves the one who has lingered in the enchanted 
land and like Aeneas of old, the college man and 
the college woman are proud to say, “I was a part 
of it all.” 

Beautiful eloth binding, gold lettering 
gilt top, 16mo. Price, $1.00 

T. S. Denison & Company, Publishers 

154 West Randolph Street CHICAGO 













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